British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of approach shafts providing entry to the site... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
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 before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous UK service members stationed over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an ambush claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
