RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the holidays. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
