Coordinated Anglo-French Air Strike Hits Daesh Arms Cache in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts down to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.

British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out militants who endanger our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."

During December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

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