RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syria employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of access tunnels down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "Including them were numerous British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
