Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several entry passages down to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike demonstrates our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military conducted what it called a "massive strike" on IS targets in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
