British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any revival of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
British military aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of British forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This operation, to take out militants who endanger our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
