British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," 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 ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
