RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing 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 expertise and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
