RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the IS group, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The facility, identified by reconnaissance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the release indicated, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes employed Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several access tunnels leading to the facility... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the attack conducted Saturday night and every plane involved made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as Daesh - imposed militant control over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," the British Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have carried out overwatch operations over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of the group after its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I want to thank every member of our armed forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary said. "Including them were thousands of British troops deployed over the festive period. This operation, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our safety, demonstrates how our armed forces are ready to step up, throughout the year, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the US military executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, following an attack killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates IS still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.