RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over the festive period. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
