RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of entry passages down to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
