British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts leading to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
