RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
