RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several entry passages down to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he added. "Including them were thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
