RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
