British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
