Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of entry passages down to the depot... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," he commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
