Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Iraq and Syria.
