British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were among thousands of British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
