British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission 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 site, located using intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," he commented. "They were among numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
