RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts down to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who threaten our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
