Coordinated British-French Air Strike Targets IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.

The location, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.

RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.

"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."

During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

The U.N. reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.