RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels down to the site... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
