British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels down to the depot... initial indications suggest 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 made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," he added. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
