British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several approach shafts down to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
