British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the depot... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," he commented. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
