British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of access tunnels down to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
