Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several approach shafts leading to the facility... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
