Combined UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Arms Cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.

The site, identified by surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.

RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I must thank every member of British forces involved in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."

In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.