Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This operation, to take out militants who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "major assault" targeting IS targets in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
