RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels down to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their bravery," he said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
