Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated 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 target a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their bravery," he commented. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
