Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," he commented. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
