DAMASCUS, Sep 17 (CGTN) - The Syrian Ministry of Defense claimed on Saturday that Israel carried out an airstrike on Damascus International Airport and other positions south of the capital, killing five soldiers and causing material damage.

The Syrian air defenses intercepted the attack and managed to down most of the missiles, a ministry statement said.

The strike was carried out at approximately 00:45 a.m. local time (2145 GMT Friday) and came "from the northeastern direction of Lake Tiberias," Syria's official news agency Sana earlier reported.

Israel has not yet responded to the claim.