British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The site, identified by surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several entry passages down to the site... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces participating in this operation for their expertise and their courage," Healey commented. "They were among a great many UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in the country, after an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand militants in Syria and Iraq.
