British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several access tunnels leading to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
