RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages down to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
