Huge explosion rocks Damascus airport

A large explosion has hit an area near the international airport which lies about 25 km south-east of Damascus, a monitoring group says.

"The blast was huge and could be heard in Damascus," the head of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Rami, Abdel Rahman, said.

The explosion was reportedly followed by a large fire. There are no reports of any casualties. The cause of the blast on Thursday is unclear, BBC reported.

Al-Manar TV reports that the explosion may have been caused by an Israeli air strike. It said it had only caused material damage.

Israeli intelligence minister, Israel Katz, said the strike near Damascus was "compatible with Israel's policy" of preventing the transfer of arms.

The minister would not directly confirm Israel was responsible for the attack but said that Israel reserves the right to operate when required.