RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, shows how British military are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
