RAF 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 Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of approach shafts down to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
