RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
