Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages down to the depot... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," Healey said. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
