RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "Including them were numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
