British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of British forces involved in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
