British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel deployed over the holidays. This action, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
