RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels leading to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," he said. "They were among numerous British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
