British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several access tunnels leading to the site... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
