Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of approach shafts down to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their skill and their valour," Healey commented. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
