RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
