Destruction in Syria
Destruction in SyriaAFP photo

A report in Arab media Thursday morning said that Syrian rebels had shot down a plane over Damascus Airport, causing the plane to crash and start a large fire. The plane, according to the report, was en route from Iran and was loaded with weapons for the Syrian Army.

According to the report on Al-Arabiya television, the Syrian Free Army rebels used anti-aircraft missiles to shoot the plane down. The plane managed to land, but burst into flames upon landing. Large parts of the airport were said to be on fire, including the main arrivals hall. Sources in the Syrian government quoted in the report confirmed that there had been a fire in the arrivals hall, but that it had been caused by an electrical short.

Iran has not commented on the report.

Along with the downing of the plane, Al Arabiya reported on fierce battles between rebels and Syrian Army troops in Damascus. At least 118 people were killed Wednesday in fighting. Al Arabiya showed numerous videos of the rebels fighting off attacks by Syrian soldiers. In recent days, the rebels have redoubled their appeals to Western countries for weapons and financial assistance.