Combined British-French Aerial Assault Targets IS Arms Cache in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.

The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.

"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.

The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.

"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.

British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."

In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

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