Combined Anglo-French Aerial Assault Targets Daesh Munitions Store in the Syrian region
British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several entry passages leading to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their courage," he said. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.