RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
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 backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - imposed militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were a great many British personnel stationed over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military executed what it called a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
