RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as Daesh - established extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
