British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using intelligence, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just above the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our aircraft employed laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts leading to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the objective was successfully hit," officials stated.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to work closely with allied nations, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the minister said.
British military aircraft have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," the Defence Secretary added. "Including them were numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are always on standby, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and strong abroad."
Last December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, after an assault killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in both countries.
