RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of approach shafts down to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces involved in this operation for their skill and their valour," he said. "They were among thousands of UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
