RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels down to the facility... early reports 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 made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "Including them were a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
