Combined Anglo-French Air Strike Hits Islamic State Arms Cache in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications suggest the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.

British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."

In December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.

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