Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts leading to the site... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their bravery," he said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
