RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, pinpointed through intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountains just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the attack late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established militant control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action demonstrates the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have conducted overwatch operations over Syrian airspace to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces involved in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, after an assault killed two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports IS still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
