British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
