RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, per a report from the UK's MoD.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of approach shafts down to the facility... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria until 2019.
"This action underscores our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
British military aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the ministry said.
"I must thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this mission for their expertise and their courage," Healey said. "Including them were a great many British troops stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
Last December, the US military carried out what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Iraq and Syria.
