RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages leading to the site... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our way of life, shows how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
