Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of access tunnels leading to the site... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey added. "Including them were thousands of UK service members deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
