British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of access tunnels leading to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military conducted what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
