British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces involved in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey said. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
