Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several entry passages leading to the facility... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this operation for their skill and their courage," he added. "Including them were numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
