RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
