British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a several access tunnels down to the depot... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - enforced militant control over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank the personnel of our armed forces participating in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British troops stationed over the festive period. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
