RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French warplanes in a coordinated attack against an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK's MoD.
The facility, pinpointed through surveillance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, 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 laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as ISIS - enforced militant control over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their professionalism and their courage," he added. "They were part of numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our way of life, shows how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Islamic State still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Iraq and Syria.
