RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages leading to the site... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "They were among a great many British troops on duty over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it described as a "major assault" against IS targets in the country, after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
