Combined Anglo-French Airstrike Strikes Islamic State Arms Cache in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

IS - also known as ISIS - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.

British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."

In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.