Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The location, located using surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
