British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of our armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were a great many British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
