RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages down to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
