British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills 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 approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many UK service members deployed over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
