RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountains just to the north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a number of entry passages leading to the facility... early reports suggest the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of British forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," Healey added. "They were part of numerous British troops deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate militants who endanger our safety, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The U.N. says Islamic State still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 combatants in both countries.
