BEIRUT (REUTERS) - Syrian air defences intercepted "hostile targets" near Damascus, Syrian state media reported on Tuesday (Dec 25).

Loud explosions were heard in the Syrian capital, a Reuters witness said.

"Our air defences have intercepted a number of hostile targets near Damascus," Syrian state TV said.

The nature of the targets was not clear.

Lebanese state-run National News Agency said Israeli war planes performed mock raids above southern Lebanon.

"The aggression originated from above the Lebanese territories and a number of hostile targets were downed," Syrian TV added.

An Israeli military spokesman declined to comment on the reports.