British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who threaten our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
