Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several approach shafts leading to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "major assault" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
