RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of approach shafts down to the facility... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, after an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
