Joint UK-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Arms Cache in Syria

RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.

The Typhoon FGR4s 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 strike underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.

RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."

Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.

The United Nations estimates Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.