RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their courage," he said. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.
