RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
