British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, 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 conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
