British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "Including them were a great many British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
