British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "They were among numerous British personnel deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, shows how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
