Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
