British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels down to the depot... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
