RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels down to the site... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, shows how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in the country, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
