British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
