British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels down to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," he added. "Including them were a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
