British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of a great many UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
