RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have joined forces with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory operated by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK's MoD.
The location, located using surveillance, was thought to be housing weapons and explosive materials, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a series of entry passages leading to the depot... initial indications are that the objective was successfully hit," the MoD said.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and every plane involved returned safely, the MoD added.
The British jets were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - also known as the so-called Islamic State - imposed extremist governance over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation shows our UK leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," the British Defence Secretary the minister said.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group following its defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in 2019, the authorities noted.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of the UK armed forces involved in this strike for their expertise and their valour," Healey commented. "They were part of numerous British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This mission, to take out terrorist threats who endanger our way of life, shows how British military are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces carried out what it called a "major assault" against Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US servicemembers and a local interpreter in Palmyra.
The UN estimates Islamic State still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in both countries.
