RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages down to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - established militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
