RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
