British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
