RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
