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Several blasts & fire reported near Damascus International Airport Several blasts & fire reported near Damascus International Airport
(35 minutes later)
Several large explosions have reportedly occurred in the vicinity of Damascus airport, triggering a large fire, according to Syrian media.Several large explosions have reportedly occurred in the vicinity of Damascus airport, triggering a large fire, according to Syrian media.
Witnesses shared photos and videos showing the blasts and burning fuel or gas, claiming that the incident took place near Damascus International Airport.Witnesses shared photos and videos showing the blasts and burning fuel or gas, claiming that the incident took place near Damascus International Airport.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear. Meanwhile, conflicting unconfirmed reports have emerged, suggesting either an airstrike or the bombing of a gas pipeline.The cause of the blast was not immediately clear. Meanwhile, conflicting unconfirmed reports have emerged, suggesting either an airstrike or the bombing of a gas pipeline.
According to “senior” Syrian rebel sources who spoke to Reuters, the blasts allegedly struck an ammunition warehouse “used by Iranian-backed forces.” At least five explosions were reported, although it was not clear if they were caused by a missile or an airstrike.According to “senior” Syrian rebel sources who spoke to Reuters, the blasts allegedly struck an ammunition warehouse “used by Iranian-backed forces.” At least five explosions were reported, although it was not clear if they were caused by a missile or an airstrike.
Meanwhile, Al-Mahar, a TV channel affiliated with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, said in an unsourced report that the blasts at Damascus Airport were likely caused by Israeli Air Force strikes.Meanwhile, Al-Mahar, a TV channel affiliated with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, said in an unsourced report that the blasts at Damascus Airport were likely caused by Israeli Air Force strikes.
An unnamed “regional intelligence source” cited by Reuters said the Israeli Air Force targeted Hezbollah’s “arms supply hub” used to stockpile weapons and ammunition coming from Iran on “commercial and military cargo aircraft.”An unnamed “regional intelligence source” cited by Reuters said the Israeli Air Force targeted Hezbollah’s “arms supply hub” used to stockpile weapons and ammunition coming from Iran on “commercial and military cargo aircraft.”
The source, who refused to provide further details, added the arms depot was crucial for Tehran-backed militias fighting Syrian rebels.The source, who refused to provide further details, added the arms depot was crucial for Tehran-backed militias fighting Syrian rebels.
Asked if the IDF was involved in the incident, a spokeswoman for the Israeli military said: “We can’t comment on such reports.”Asked if the IDF was involved in the incident, a spokeswoman for the Israeli military said: “We can’t comment on such reports.”
There have been no reports of casualties so far, and the extent of the damage is not yet clear. Syrian authorities are yet to comment on the incident. There have been no reports of casualties so far, and the extent of the damage is not yet clear. Syrian authorities are yet to comment on the incident. 
Damascus International Airport was the country's busiest air hub before hostilities erupted in 2011. Since the onset of the Syrian war, most international airlines have ceased flights to Damascus.Damascus International Airport was the country's busiest air hub before hostilities erupted in 2011. Since the onset of the Syrian war, most international airlines have ceased flights to Damascus.
The Israeli military is widely believed to have carried out air raids targeting Syria's anti-aircraft missile systems as well as Hezbollah positions, but it rarely confirms such airstrikes.
In mid-March, Israeli jets conducted airstrikes near Palmyra, destroying advanced arms provided to Hezbollah. Syria’s air defense forces fired anti-aircraft missiles at the planes as they were returning from the mission. In response, Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria’s air defenses if the country attacked Israeli warplanes again.