RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels down to the facility... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
