British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
