British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
