RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
