RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages down to the depot... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out militants who threaten our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
