British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey added. "Including them were numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
