British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their expertise and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
