RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
