RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of access tunnels down to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
