RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages down to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
