RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using surveillance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels leading to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister said.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey added. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the US military carried out what it termed a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
