RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have operated alongside French aircraft in a combined operation on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The location, located using surveillance, was believed to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in hills just north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a series of approach shafts down to the depot... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the operation late on Saturday and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - referred to as ISIS - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and determination to operate in unison with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any attempted comeback" of Islamic State after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces participating in this mission for their skill and their bravery," he commented. "They were among thousands of British troops on duty over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove militants who endanger our security, highlights how UK forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" targeting Daesh sites in the country, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations says Daesh still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
