British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several access tunnels providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," he added. "They were among numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
