Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British troops stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who threaten our security, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
