Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels leading to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence 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 aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," he commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
