RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "They were among thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
