British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts down to the site... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces involved in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
