RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages leading to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military conducted what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
