British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, 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 situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.
