British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages down to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military conducted what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
