RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
