Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of entry passages providing entry to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he added. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove militants who threaten our security, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
