British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out militants who endanger our security, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
