RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their courage," he commented. "Including them were thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.