RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several entry passages leading to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their courage," Healey commented. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
