RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft 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 site, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels leading to the site... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as ISIS - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
