Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of thousands of British troops deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
