RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of approach shafts down to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
