RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of approach shafts leading to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were thousands of British troops deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it called a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
