RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages leading to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
