Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was located in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS following its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I must thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British personnel on duty over the festive period. This action, to remove terrorist threats who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
