Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Hits IS Arms Cache in the Syrian region

British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.

The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.

"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.

There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.

The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.

IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This operation shows British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.

British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."

Last December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.

The U.N. says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.