RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
