RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several entry passages down to the facility... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many UK service members deployed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
