The images, obtained by the BBC, show British special forces on the ground in Syria riding open-air Thalab patrol vehicles which are designed for harsh terrain.

Small numbers of UK troops have been operating in Syria in an array of capacities including surveillance, advisory and combat.

The BBC reported that the images, taken in June, appear to show British troops defending a militant base on the Syria-Iraq border which was under attack by Daesh terrorists.

Nine so-called moderate militants were killed in the attack on the southeastern al-Tanaf base.

The special forces were deployed in a defensive role but were equipped with an arsenal of weapons, including sniper rifles, machine guns and anti-tank missiles.