British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
