Joint UK-French Air Strike Hits IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels leading to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.

UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

The U.N. says Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.