Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their valour," he added. "They were part of thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
