RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages leading to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
