Israeli rockets have hit Damascus. [May 05 2013]

Witnesses heard huge explosions near the Jamraya facility, which Western officials have suggested is involved in chemical weapons research. Residents said that nearby military positions were also hit.

Israel has not confirmed the strike, but sources say it targeted weapons bound for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. It is the second suspected Israeli strike in two days.

On Friday Israeli aircraft hit a shipment of missiles in Syria, according to unnamed US and Israeli officials.Israel has repeatedly said it would act if it felt advanced weapons were being transferred to militant groups in the region, especially Hezbollah. Heavy explosions shook Damascus overnight. Amateur footage posted online claimed to show the blasts at the Jamraya research centre.

Syrian state media said the attack showed that there was an organic link between Israel and the rebels. "The new Israeli attack is an attempt to raise the morale of the terrorist groups, which have been reeling from strikes by our noble army," state TV said, referring to recent offensives by President Bashar al-Assads forces.