British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation 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 surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to take out militants who endanger our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
