FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Several shells have reportedly hit the Syrian Governorate of Quneitra, launched from the Israeli-occupied portion of the Golan Heights. The Syrian defence system engaged with several targets over Damascus and early reports suggested they were cruise missiles. Syrian expert Danny Makki said: “Air Defences firing at rockets over South West Damascus. "Mezzeh airbase has been reportedly hit by an Israeli rocket.

TWITTER.GETTY Several shells have reportedly hit the Syrian Governorate of Quneitra

Part of exchange of fire between Israel and forces in Syria short time ago. The events are still on-going. pic.twitter.com/7etT9NLJHB — Israel Breaking (@IsraelBreaking) 9 May 2018

The Syrian army (not Iranians) launched 50 rockets (not 20) to several Israeli army targets in the Golan, and most rockets hit their targets. — Fares Shehabi MP (@ShehabiFares) 9 May 2018

"The situation is no joke, its a serious escalation which risks developing into something far more widespread." And analyst Frida Ghitis said: “Iran is firing more rockets into Israel. "Israel has responded forcefully to violations of its red lines. This is extremely serious.” Israel's response is unprecedented and has been on a far larger scale than the US-led strike in April. Two military ariports in Khalkhala and Balli are said to have been hit. And a Syrian radar installation has been hit too, according to Syrian state news agency SANA citing a military source The source said: "Air defences confronted tens of Israeli rockets and some of them reached their target and destroyed one of the radar sites."

The shells were fired from the Israeli-controlled area towards the city of Baath in northern Queneitra, according to SANA. There were reports the Assad regime actively fired upon a second wave of Israeli missiles over Syria south of Damascus in Al Kiswah after the first strike. Shortly afterwards, Syrian air defences engaged with cruise missiles near Damascus after Israel planes launched them from Lebanon. Syrian media also reported Iranian-backed Hezbollah bases being hit in Ba’ath City.

Video purporting Syrian Air Defenses firing in Qunaitra province pic.twitter.com/kB4RT6Wfgx — Danny Makki (@Dannymakkisyria) 9 May 2018

There were also reports of an Israeli cruise missile hitting Hadar in Qunaitra province. Then airstrikes targeting 137 artillery base in Damascus were reported by pro-regime sources. At the time of writing, it appears both sides targeted immobile military targets. There are no reports of ground advances.

Images showing Syrian air defenses in action over #Damascus pic.twitter.com/N9UGM5gWtU — Danny Makki (@Dannymakkisyria) 10 May 2018

Israel claimed 20 missiles were launched at IDF positions in the Golan Heights by Syria and Iran. But pro-Government Al Mayadeen reported at least 50 rockets being launched. The waves of strikes were in response to an initial attack which was thought to have been launched by Iran. An IDF spokesman confirmed this, saying: “About an hour ago, IDF defence systems identified approximately 20 rockets that the Iranian Quds forces launched at IDF forward posts on the Golan Heights.

#BREAKING: Video of the launch of 20 missiles to the Golan Heights #Israel by Iranian forces in #Syria pic.twitter.com/l817xlcKnm — Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) 10 May 2018