RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages down to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," Healey said. "Including them were a great many UK service members deployed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, highlights how British military are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
