Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "Including them were numerous British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
