RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as Daesh - established militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were thousands of British personnel deployed over the festive period. This action, to eliminate militants who threaten our security, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
Last December, the US military executed what it described as a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
