British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
