RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels leading to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This strike shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," he added. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over the holidays. This action, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are prepared to act, continuously, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
During December, the American forces executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an attack claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The UN reports Islamic State still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria.
