RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he added. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
