RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages down to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," he commented. "They were part of a great many British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
