British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of 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 allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among numerous UK service members deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
