RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts leading to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria 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 IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
