RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their courage," he commented. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over the holidays. This operation, to take out militants who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
