RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages down to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of a great many British personnel deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
