Iran 'steps up Syria support', Hillary Clinton warns

Iran has stepped up its military and financial aid to the Syrian government, departing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned.

Mrs Clinton, who steps down on Friday, said there were also signs that Russia continues to supply Syria with money and "equipment".

A spilling-over of the conflict into neighbouring countries was "within the realm of the possible now", she said.

Her comments came amid contradictory claims of an Israeli strike in Syria.

The Syrian army said Israeli war planes had bombed a military research centre north-west of Damascus, but the US and others said lorries carrying weapons bound for Lebanon were hit.

Israel has maintained silence about the incident, but Syria has made a formal complaint to UN, saying it reserves the right to defend itself. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran have strongly denounced the attack.

Correspondents say Israel is also worried the Shia militant group could obtain anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, thus strengthening its ability to respond to Israeli air strikes.

Wednesday's reported attack came days after Israel moved its Iron Dome defence system to the north of the country.