British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as ISIS - established militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces participating in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
