RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the historic site 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 facility... preliminary assessments suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, after an attack killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
