Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with France's air force in a coordinated attack on an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was positioned in mountains just above the historic site of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets utilized laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a series of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the strike conducted Saturday night and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
The Islamic State group - also known as Daesh - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of IS after its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their valour," he commented. "They were part of a great many UK service members stationed over the holidays. This action, to take out terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, highlights how UK forces are always on standby, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security domestically and powerful internationally."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "massive strike" targeting Daesh sites in Syria, following an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Iraq and Syria.
