RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages down to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.
