British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to take out militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
