RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just to the north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS following its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their courage," he said. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the US military conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
