RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located 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 hit a several approach shafts down to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates British leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he commented. "They were among a great many UK service members on duty over the holidays. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
