Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
