RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces involved in this mission for their expertise and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
