RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several entry passages leading to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
