Joint UK-French Air Strike Hits Daesh Arms Cache in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, identified by intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of entry passages down to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

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

"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.

RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," he said. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."

During December, the American forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.