RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation against an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the facility... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with allied nations, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over the holidays. This action, to remove militants who threaten our safety, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, subsequent to an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
