RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
