British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on 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 mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a number of approach shafts down to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
