British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
