RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
