Combined Anglo-French Air Strike Targets Islamic State Munitions Store in the Syrian region
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
