British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," he commented. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
