British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes 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 site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as Daesh - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their valour," Healey commented. "Including them were thousands of British personnel stationed over the festive period. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
