RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of British troops stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
