RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French aircraft in a combined operation on an hidden munitions depot in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a several approach shafts providing entry to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank all the members of the UK armed forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," he said. "Including them were a great many British personnel deployed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our safety, shows how British military are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the US military conducted what it termed a "major assault" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an assault resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
