Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he said. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
