RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the attack late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
