British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many British personnel stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our safety, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Iraq and Syria.
