Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have operated alongside French warplanes in a joint strike targeting an underground arms cache in Syria operated by the IS group, according to the British defence ministry.
The facility, located using reconnaissance, was assessed as containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just above the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to hit a number of access tunnels providing entry to the depot... initial indications suggest the target was engaged successfully," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were assisted by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - referred to as Daesh - enforced militant control over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This action demonstrates our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the minister remarked.
UK warplanes have carried out surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any attempted comeback" of the group following its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank every member of British forces who took part in this operation for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "They were among numerous UK service members on duty over the festive period. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who endanger our security, highlights how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the US military conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" on Daesh sites in Syria, after an ambush claimed the lives of two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.
