Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he added. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
