Armed groups targeted an oil pipeline with explosive device in Syria's eastern Deir al-Zour province earlier Monday, causing no damage, state-run SANA news agency reported.

Quoting an official source in the oil ministry, SANA said the targeted pipeline had not been used since two weeks ago because other alternative lines were available, adding that the "sabotaging act" did not affect the line but caused minor damage to one of its covers.

It said the pipeline had been targeted more than once lately without being seriously damaged.

Earlier Monday, Syria's private al-Ekhbaria TV cited sources as dismissing foreign media reports that the pipeline was blasted, saying that the report was "media fabrication."

At least seven pipelines have been targeted since the eruption of unrest in Syria in mid March 2011. Syria held what it called " saboteurs" responsible for the attacks.

Armed groups target oil pipeline in Syria