Combined UK-French Aerial Assault Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.

The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.

RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."

In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The U.N. estimates Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.