Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces involved in this operation for their skill and their valour," he commented. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an attack killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
