Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their bravery," he added. "Including them were thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
