Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the US military conducted what it described as a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
