Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several approach shafts leading to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - established jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank all the members of our armed forces participating in this operation for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it described as a "major assault" targeting IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
