RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
