RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with France's air force in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several access tunnels leading to the depot... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - established extremist governance over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, after an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
