RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," he added. "They were among a great many British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
