RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages down to the site... early reports indicate the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," he added. "They were part of a great many UK service members deployed over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military carried out what it termed a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
