Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages down to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," Healey said. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
