British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of approach shafts leading to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," he added. "They were among thousands of UK service members deployed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
