British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, located using intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages down to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he added. "They were among thousands of British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military executed what it called a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
