British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who pose a risk to our safety, shows how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
