RAF Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned to base without incident, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were part of thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, shows how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
