In an early morning attack, Israel targeted a Syrian air base to prevent Turkish troops from setting up operations there. The air base in question is located in the northwest province of Idlib. Syrian state TV reported eight strikes on the Abu Duhur air base runway, causing damage but no casualties.
Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, condemned the attack as an “unjustified provocation,” labeling it a violation of Syria’s sovereignty. He stated it threatens regional and global stability. According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Israel struck because Syria was nearing a breach of a “status quo in security matters” by allowing a Turkish military presence.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the Israeli strikes and urged the international community to respond to what they termed Israel’s escalating aggression towards Syria. Turkey has been significantly involved with Syria’s military, making tensions with Israel inevitable.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has noted that foreign fighters had recently vacated the base. Turkey has been restoring the air base, previously inactive due to Syria’s prolonged conflict.
Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, expressed concern about the escalation. He described the Israeli airstrikes as unnecessary, stating they fail to promote regional stability. Barrack underlined Syria’s emphasis on de-escalation and indicated that talks led by the United States to foster diplomacy would continue.
Countries including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes. Since the downfall of Bashar Assad’s government in December 2024, Israel has intensified airstrikes throughout Syria. These have primarily targeted Syrian army resources to prevent their capture by Assad’s successors.
Israel now occupies a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria, having maintained control following numerous military actions, including drone strikes in Damascus that resulted in multiple Syrian casualties.
Despite intentions for reconciliation from Syria, led by former insurgents, Israel remains wary. U.S.-led negotiations for a security agreement between Syria and Israel have been ongoing but remain unsuccessful.