RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
