British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he said. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
