RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
