RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their courage," he commented. "Including them were thousands of UK service members deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
