British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts down to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
