RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages down to the depot... early reports are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," Healey said. "Including them were numerous UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
