Combined Anglo-French Airstrike Targets IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.

The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.

RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of numerous British personnel stationed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."

During December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.