RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of entry passages leading to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," Healey said. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
