Coordinated Anglo-French Aerial Assault Targets Islamic State Munitions Store in Syria

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

Daesh - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.

British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. reports Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.