British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
