Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Weapons Depot in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.

The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.

"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts down to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.

The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

Daesh - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.

"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.

RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of numerous British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."

In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.

The United Nations says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.