Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts leading to the site... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "Including them were numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
