RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces involved in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
