British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a number of approach shafts providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
