RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - established extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, shows how British military are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
