British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
