RAF Typhoon FGR4s have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the IS group, as stated by the British defence ministry.
The site, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was located in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several approach shafts providing entry to the site... initial indications indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and every plane involved returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were assisted by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
IS - also known as ISIS - established militant control over parts of Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike shows the UK's leading role, and commitment to work closely with allied nations, to eradicate any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary remarked.
UK warplanes have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces involved in this mission for their professionalism and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were numerous UK service members stationed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how British military are prepared to act, throughout the year, protecting the UK within its borders and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces carried out what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in the country, subsequent to an ambush killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN estimates IS still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Syria and Iraq.
