RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," Healey commented. "Including them were thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
