Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
