RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
