Coordinated Anglo-French Air Strike Hits Daesh Arms Cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.

The location, located using surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of approach shafts down to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

IS - referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.

British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."

In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.