RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
