Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
