RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against Daesh sites in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
