RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces involved in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in Syria, after an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.
