RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several entry passages providing entry to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
