GETTY Syria: Israel reportedly carried out an airstrike

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There have been reports of a significant explosion, according to local reports which remain unconfirmed. The reports come after Syrian state TV confirmed an airstrike hit several bases. Syria state television has confirmed its air defences are repelling attacks in the country’s Homs region. The military announced at around 1.10am local time (11.10pm GMT) that it had fired missiles towards the Shay’rat Airbase, to the south-east of Homs, and its surrounding area in the Homs Governorate.

Several reporters in the area claim the airstrike was carried out by Israeli fighter jets flying at high altitude after crossing the borders through Lebanon. The Pentagon said there is "no US military activity near Homs at this time". It is unclear at this time what the explosion is or if anyone was hurt. Only days earlier on April 14 Israel had closed the airspace over Golan Heights after US-led strikes hit Syria.

GETTY Syria: Israel targeted the T4 base on April 9

The strikes saw US, UK and France that saw over 100 missiles launched from US ships and UK Tornado fighter-bombers. It was intended to disable the country’s use of chemical weapons after it allegedly used chlorine against rebels in Douma, eastern Ghouta on April 7. There were also reports of covert airstrikes carried out by Israeli forces at Iranian bases in the Jabal Azzan region south of Aleppo last weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on April 15 over Iran’s presence in Syria. Referring to Iran, the Israeli PM called on Western powers to take the same approach toward preventing “terrorist states” acquiring nuclear weapons.

GETTY Syria has denied the alleged chemical weapons attack.