British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages down to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
