RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," he said. "They were part of a great many British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who endanger our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
