RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
