RAF 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, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages down to the depot... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces involved in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military conducted what it called a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, after an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
