British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "Including them were numerous British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
