British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages down to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "Including them were thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
