British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages down to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he said. "They were among numerous British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
