British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
