British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
