Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several access tunnels providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
