British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," he added. "Including them were a great many British personnel deployed over the holidays. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.