Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of entry passages down to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of British forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," he added. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who threaten our safety, demonstrates how British military are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
