British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
