British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages leading to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he added. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
