British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French aircraft in a coordinated attack against an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"Our aircraft used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to strike a series of access tunnels down to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This action underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of IS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the area," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "prevent any attempted comeback" of Islamic State following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the ministry said.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their professionalism and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many British personnel on duty over the holidays. This action, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK within its borders and strong abroad."
During December, the United States armed forces conducted what it termed a "major assault" against IS targets in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. says Islamic State still boasts roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
