RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their expertise and their courage," he said. "Including them were a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our security, shows how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
