British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several approach shafts leading to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey commented. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
