British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages down to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, shows how British military are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
