British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military executed what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
