Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the site... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of numerous British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
