RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with France's air force in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Islamic State group (IS), according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using surveillance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages leading to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group following its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our safety, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
