RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, identified by surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," officials stated.
There was no evidence of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation demonstrates the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our safety, highlights how British military are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still has between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
