RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory used by the IS group, per a report from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a several access tunnels down to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this mission for their professionalism and their courage," Healey added. "They were among numerous British personnel stationed over the holidays. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, highlights how British military are prepared to act, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
