RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
