RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in hills just above Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts leading to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as ISIS - established extremist governance over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey said. "Including them were thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our security, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, after an assault killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
