British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using intelligence, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of access tunnels down to the site... initial indications are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over parts of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any re-emergence of Daesh and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
British military aircraft have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of numerous British personnel deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "major assault" on Islamic State objectives in the country, following an attack resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
