RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of IS after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out militants who endanger our security, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, following an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
