Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as ISIS - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their bravery," he added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
