Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," he commented. "They were among a great many UK service members deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
