British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he commented. "Including them were numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
