RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages down to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
