Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "They were among a great many British troops stationed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military conducted what it described as a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
