British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
