RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several access tunnels providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
