RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces involved in this mission for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were among numerous British personnel deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, shows how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
