RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of entry passages providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
