RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with France's air force in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The location, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be storing arms and explosives, the statement said, and was positioned in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria's central region.
"The RAF jets used Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a series of entry passages providing entry to the depot... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no evidence 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 supported by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This strike underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to stamp out any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
UK warplanes have conducted patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to every member of the UK armed forces involved in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many British troops stationed over the holidays. This mission, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, shows how British military are ready to step up, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and strong abroad."
Last December, the American forces conducted what it termed a "massive strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, following an attack killed two US servicemembers and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Daesh still boasts an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
