British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several entry passages leading to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "Including them were numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military conducted what it called a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
