Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
