British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several access tunnels down to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," Healey said. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
