RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of entry passages leading to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he said. "Including them were numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who threaten our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it described as a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
