Combined UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The location, identified by intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of entry passages down to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.

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

The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This operation, to take out militants who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."

Last December, the US military executed what it called a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.