Joint UK-French Air Strike Targets IS Arms Cache in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of approach shafts leading to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.

RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces involved in this operation for their skill and their courage," Healey said. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."

During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.