RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of approach shafts leading to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
