British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages leading to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he said. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
