RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - established extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were a great many British personnel deployed over the holidays. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, after an assault killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
