RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were among numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
