British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he said. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
