British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey said.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of British forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, highlights how British military are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
