RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to remove militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
