Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of entry passages down to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
