British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages down to the site... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of a great many British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
