British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of entry passages down to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the US military carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
