Coordinated British-French Air Strike Targets Daesh Munitions Store in the Syrian region

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.

The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages down to the facility... early reports suggest 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 Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.

The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.

"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.

British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.

"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he added. "Including them were numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, shows how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."

Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The UN reports Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.