RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
