RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of approach shafts down to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group after its routing at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of British forces participating in this mission for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
