British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels down to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
