RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of approach shafts providing entry to the facility... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were thousands of British troops on duty over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK at home and influential overseas."
Last December, the American forces carried out what it called a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, following an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
