Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of entry passages leading to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
