RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to remove militants who endanger our security, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
