RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts down to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "Including them were a great many British troops on duty over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
