RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts down to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
