RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several entry passages providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
