British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to 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 who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
