Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a several approach shafts leading to the depot... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their valour," Healey said. "They were part of numerous UK service members on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
