British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of entry passages leading to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
