British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
