RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up 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 our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
