Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," Healey added. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
