British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of entry passages providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
