Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts down to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it called a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
