RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," Healey added. "Including them were thousands of UK service members on duty over the festive period. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
