Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
