RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in hills just above Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of approach shafts leading to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this mission for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British troops deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our security, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
