Joint British-French Airstrike Hits Daesh Munitions Store in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.

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

The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.

British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I must thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," he added. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."

Last December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.