RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN reports Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
