Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve 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," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their courage," he commented. "Including them were thousands of UK service members deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
