Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several approach shafts down to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove militants who endanger our security, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
