British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of access tunnels down to the depot... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to take out militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
