RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their bravery," he commented. "They were among thousands of British troops deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
