Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "They were among thousands of UK service members deployed over the holidays. This operation, to take out militants who endanger our safety, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
