Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Targets IS Arms Cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.

The location, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."

Last December, the US military executed what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The U.N. reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.