British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as Daesh - established extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among thousands of British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
