Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a joint strike against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a number of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and commitment to work closely with our allies, to stamp out any re-emergence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "massive strike" against Daesh sites in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
