British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts leading to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of numerous British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who threaten our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
