British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of entry passages leading to the site... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he added. "Including them were thousands of British personnel on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
