Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria operated by the IS group, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The facility, pinpointed through intelligence, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to the personnel of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," Healey added. "They were among numerous British personnel stationed over the festive period. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, shows how British military are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" against IS targets in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN says IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in both countries.
