Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of access tunnels providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military executed what it termed a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
