Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several approach shafts down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
