British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several access tunnels down to the depot... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
