Syrian missile fired at Israeli jets is intercepted

Syria launched anti-aircraft missiles toward Israeli jets Friday after a series of attacks by the Israeli air force.

At least one of the missiles was intercepted midair by the Israeli anti-missile system Arrow in the first

reported use of the system. It marks the most serious incident between the two countries since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war six years ago, according to analysts.

"Several anti-aircraft missiles were launched from Syria following the mission, and IDF aerial defense systems intercepted one of the missiles," the Israel Defense Forces reported in a statement. "The safety of the forces and Israeli civilians were not compromised." The rare statement did not specify which targets were attacked. Arab media reported that the target of Israel's strikes was a Hezbollah weapons convoy heading toward Lebanon.

At approximately 3 a.m. local time, warning sirens sounded in the Jordan Valley and in the West Bank. Several moments later, two loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem. Only three hours later, the Israeli army spokesman issued the statement.