RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
