British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey said. "They were part of thousands of British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
