Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several entry passages down to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS after its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces involved in this mission for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over the holidays. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
