British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages down to the facility... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
