Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of thousands of British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to remove militants who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
