DHAKA: Israel is deploying all of its missile defences as a precaution against possible Syrian retaliatory attacks should Western powers carry out threatened strikes on Syria.

Israeli Army Radio said on Wednesday, reports The Straits Times.

Citing secrecy requirements, it did not give details on the number or locations of the interceptor batteries.

Systems employed by Israel’s air defence corps include the short-range Iron Dome, the mid-range Patriot and the long-range Arrow II.

Facing potentially imminent attack by the United States and other Western powers over its alleged use of chemical weapons against Syrian rebels, Damascus has hinted it could shoot back at its old foe, the Jewish state.

Israel is also braced for rocket salvoes from Hezbollah, Syria’s Lebanese militia ally.

BDST: 1937 HRS, AUG 28, 2013
RoR/RIS