Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
