RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among numerous UK service members deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
