British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
