Coordinated British-French Air Strike Hits Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.

The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.

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

"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.

UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "Including them were numerous British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."

Last December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The U.N. says IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.