British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
