RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas."
During December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
