Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of approach shafts down to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of British forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, shows how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
