RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as Daesh - established militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
