British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels down to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "Including them were numerous British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
