Syria Alleges Israel Struck Military Airport Near Assad's Palace With Surface-to-surface Missiles

Syrian state media confirmed earlier Arab media reports that Israel struck a Damascus military airport overnight on Tuesday.

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Later on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel is attempting to prevent Hezbollah from smuggling weapons of mass destruction.

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According to Syrian state news agency SANA, Israel "launched a number of surface-to-surface missiles from inside the occupied territories," calling the incident "a desperate attempt to support the terrorist groups and raise their morale."

According to the pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen television channel, the jets targeted the Mezze Military Airport in Damascus, which neighbors President Bashar Assad's palace. Loud explosions in the Mezzeh neighborhood were also reported on social media. Al-Arabiya, meanwhile, reported that fires broke out at the airport and that emergency vehicle sirens were heard in the area.

Last week, Syria said that Israeli jets attacked west of Damascus, with reports in Arab media saying an arms convoy intended for Hezbollah was the target. The news came amid tensions along Israel's northern border after clashes between the Israeli army and militants affiliated with the Islamic State group.

According to Syria's state television, the jets fires two missiles during the sortie and no one was hurt or killed. The attack, it said, took place near the town of As'saboura.