British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts down to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
