RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of entry passages leading to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," he commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our security, shows how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
