MOSCOW - Russia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed an "unknown drone" targeting its Hmeimim airbase in Syria, according to Russian media reports.

The airspace monitoring facilities at Russia's Hmeimim airbase on Monday detected a small-size unidentified airborne target approaching the base, a spokesman of the airbase was quoted by Sputnik news agency as saying on Monday evening.

The target was destroyed by air defenses deployed at the base. The unknown drone didn't cause damage or casualties, said the spokesman.

The Hmeimim base in the northwestern province of Latakia is the largest Russian-run military facility in the country.

Earlier in January and April, the Russian military said Russian air defenses at the Hmeimim airbase intercepted and destroyed unidentified objects targeting the base.