RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of approach shafts leading to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have carried out patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group following its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank every member of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our security, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, protecting the UK at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it called a "massive strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
