RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," he added. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
