Joint Anglo-French Airstrike Targets IS Arms Cache in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.

The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.

RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank the personnel of British forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among numerous British troops deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."

In December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

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