RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
In December, the US military conducted what it called a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
