British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," he added. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
