British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation on an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group after its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their bravery," Healey commented. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
During December, the US military executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" on Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.
The UN says Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in both countries.
