RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, continuously, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
