RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels leading to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, after an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
