Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
