Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Targets Daesh Weapons Depot in the Syrian region
RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
