Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of entry passages down to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey said. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
