RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their courage," Healey said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our security, shows how British military are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
