RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts down to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" on IS targets in the country, following an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
