British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts down to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
