British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
