RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to remove militants who endanger our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure domestically and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
