Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Targets IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.

The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.

British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their valour," he commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."

During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.