RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," he 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 always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
