RAF 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 Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
