RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used 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 statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
