RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
