Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, located using intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over the holidays. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
