RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their valour," he said. "Including them were a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
