RAF Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the Islamic State group (IS), per a report from the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to target a series of entry passages down to the site... initial indications suggest the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their bravery," he commented. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over the festive period. This operation, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our safety, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
