Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several approach shafts down to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
