Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages down to the facility... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this operation for their skill and their courage," he said. "They were part of thousands of British personnel on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military executed what it called a "major assault" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
