British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts leading to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey said. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
