Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," 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 defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of thousands of British troops deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
