RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages leading to the facility... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," he said. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Daesh still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
