RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among a great many British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
