British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their courage," Healey said. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove militants who threaten our safety, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
