RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels down to the facility... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces involved in this operation for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
