Joint British-French Aerial Assault Hits IS Weapons Depot in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.

The location, located using intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several access tunnels leading to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.

British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."

In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The UN estimates Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.