Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the historic site of 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 suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
