British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several access tunnels down to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who threaten our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Iraq and Syria.
