Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several access tunnels down to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel deployed over the holidays. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
