Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
