British Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria employed by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The site, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in hills just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a series of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any civilian impact in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the MoD added.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to eradicate any revival of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have conducted overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS after its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," he commented. "They were part of thousands of British personnel stationed over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out militants who threaten our safety, shows how British military are always on standby, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, subsequent to an attack killed two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
