RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous UK service members deployed over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
