RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by surveillance, was assessed as 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.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group following its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," he added. "Including them were thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
