RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
