Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of approach shafts down to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel stationed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
