RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
