RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages leading to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
