British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
