RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of access tunnels leading to the facility... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as ISIS - enforced extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and commitment to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its routing at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their valour," he said. "They were among thousands of UK service members on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an ambush claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says IS still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
