British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the climactic battle in 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 courage," he commented. "Including them were thousands of British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to remove militants who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
