Electricity has started to return in Syria after much of the country, including the capital Damascus, was hit by a power cut late Wednesday.

Syria's Electricity Minister said a terrorist attack against a gas pipeline that feeds a power station in the south was to blame for the blackout.

Repairs on the gas line are already underway, but they will take an estimated 48 hours to complete.

Rebels reportedly attacked the pipeline during battles with government troops near Damascus. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebel artillery had hit a gas pipeline near the capital airport.

Damascus residents have suffered frequent power cuts since the civil war broke out due to attacks on energy facilities.