RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, following an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
