RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts down to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This operation, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it described as a "major assault" targeting IS targets in the country, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
