British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages leading to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
