RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This action, to remove militants who threaten our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
