RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts leading to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
