RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation 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," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Iraq and Syria.
