British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," Healey said. "Including them were a great many British personnel stationed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, shows how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
