RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of a great many UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
