RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages providing entry to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he commented. "They were among numerous UK service members deployed over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who threaten our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
