Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of numerous British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
