British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages down to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, after an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
