Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages down to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
