British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
