RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
