RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several approach shafts leading to the facility... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces involved in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
