Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike on Saturday evening and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - enforced extremist governance over parts of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with allied nations, to eliminate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of IS subsequent to its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their professionalism and their valour," he added. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over the holidays. This mission, to remove terrorist threats who endanger our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, keeping Britain secure within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "large-scale strike" on IS targets in Syria, following an assault claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
