RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages down to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces involved in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
