British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among numerous British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
