Western intelligence sources have said Israel's stepped-up attacks on Syria since last year are part of a shadow war approved by the United States [File: Amir Cohen/Reuters]

Damascus, July 22 (RHC)-- Syria’s air defenses have intercepted an Israeli attack on the al-Qusayr area in Homs, Syrian state media reported.  A Syrian military source said in a statement on Thursday there was some material damage from the raid but no casualties.

Earlier this week, on Monday, Syria said it had intercepted an attack on Aleppo.  Homs province adjoins Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed Lebanese Shia Hezbollah group holds sway along the rugged border area.

Western intelligence sources have said Israel’s stepped-up raids on Syria since last year are part of a shadow war approved by the United States.   The attacks are also part of an anti-Iran policy that over the past two years has sought to undermine Iran’s extensive military power without starting a significant increase in hostilities.