RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
