Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Targets IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.

The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action shows British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.

British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I must thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."

In December, the US military conducted what it called a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The U.N. says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.