RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - also known as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," he added. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
