GAZA, Aug 9 (Reuters) - An Israeli aircraft destroyed a control tower at the Rafah airport in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, residents and security officials said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Witnesses said an Israeli helicopter fired a missile at the abandoned control tower.

An army spokeswoman said the military had carried out an air strike against three armed militants in the Rafah airport.

Residents said that Israeli troops and armoured vehicles began operating in the area shortly following the air strike.

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