British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several entry passages down to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
