British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in hills just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
