British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts down to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
