British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of thousands of British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
