Joint Anglo-French Airstrike Targets Daesh Munitions Store in Syria

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts leading to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.

UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of a great many British troops on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations reports IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.