British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey said. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
