Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
