RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts down to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were thousands of British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
