British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of entry passages providing entry to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
