RAF Typhoon FGR4s have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK's MoD.
The location, pinpointed through reconnaissance, was thought to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to strike a several access tunnels down to the site... early reports suggest the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian impact in the strike conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister stated.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of IS following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I want to thank every member of British forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous British personnel deployed over the holidays. This operation, to eliminate militants who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."
During December, the United States armed forces carried out what it described as a "major assault" on IS targets in Syria, after an attack claimed the lives of two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations says Islamic State still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
