British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The location, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several access tunnels providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - referred to as ISIS - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to operate in unison with allied nations, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister stated.
UK warplanes have conducted surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over the holidays. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our way of life, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and influential overseas."
During December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, subsequent to an attack resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
