RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a several approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove militants who threaten our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports IS still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
