RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts leading to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
