Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts leading to the facility... initial indications suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were among thousands of UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out militants who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces conducted what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN reports Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in both countries.
