RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of entry passages leading to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over the holidays. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
