British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The location, located using surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
