Images published by BBC depict soldiers securing the perimeter of a rebel army base following an attack by Islamic State.

The first images of what appear to be British special forces operating on the ground in Syria have emerged, showing vehicles patrolling near the scene of an attack by Islamic State.

The pictures were taken in June and were first published on Monday by the BBC.

It is believed to be the first time British forces have been photographed operating inside Syria.

The images depict British special forces sitting atop Thalab long range patrol vehicles as they move around the perimeter of a rebel base close to the Syria-Iraq border.

Thalabs are heavily modified Toyota-based off-roaders reportedly built in Jordan.

The images seem to show British forces securing the perimeter of the rebel base following an attack by Isis, according to the BBC.

The soldiers can be seen carrying anti-tank missiles, sniper rifles and other heavy artillery.

WATCH Exclusive – Britain’s secretive and lethal force in Syria https://t.co/WwxbBi6bAT

— Quentin Sommerville (@sommervillebbc) 8 августа 2016 г.

The BBC reported the soldiers were working at the base in a defensive role and a spokesman for the New Syrian Army acknowledged that British special forces had provided training, weapons and other equipment.

The Ministry of Defence has refused to comment on the pictures. On Monday, the MOD released information about British air strikes against Isis in Iraq and Syria.

Source: The Guardian