British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels leading to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
