Syrian state news agency Sana said Israel conducted an air attack on Saturday from the occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon, targeting military positions in Syria.

Citing an unnamed military source, the agency said the attack at around 2am (11pm) had targeted positions in central and southern Syria.

The attack prompted Syria to activate its air defences, Sana said, as Israel announced it was launching “precision strikes” in neighbouring Iran.

Iran and Syria are allies in the so-called “axis of resistance” that also includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

“Our anti-aircraft defence is confronting hostile targets in the skies around Damascus,” state news agency Sana reported on Telegram. Sana had previously reported the “sounds of explosions” in the vicinity of the Syrian capital.