British Air Force Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was positioned in mountains just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports suggest the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.
The Typhoon FGR4s were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over large swathes of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action shows the UK's leading role, and determination to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any resurgence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the region," UK Defence Secretary the Defence Secretary said.
British military aircraft have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the Baghuz confrontation in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of British forces who took part in this mission for their skill and their valour," the Defence Secretary commented. "Including them were a great many British personnel stationed over the festive period. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, demonstrates how our armed forces are always on standby, all year round, protecting the UK domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it termed a "massive strike" targeting IS targets in Syria, after an assault claimed the lives of two US troops and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra.
The United Nations reports Islamic State still has an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in both countries.
