British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels leading to the facility... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their valour," he said. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it described as a "major assault" on Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. reports IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
