RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
