British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
