British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
