RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
