RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
