RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey said. "Including them were a great many British personnel deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
