Israeli forces conducted eight airstrikes against the Abu Duhur air base located in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province early Tuesday, targeting the runway and causing structural damage without reported casualties, according to state television. The Israeli government justified the operation as a preventive measure against Turkish military deployment at the facility, citing concerns that such a deployment would compromise Israeli security interests. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office indicated that Israel had issued prior warnings to Syria regarding this matter.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani characterized the strikes as unjustified aggression and a violation of national sovereignty. Turkish officials condemned the operation and called for international intervention to address what they described as escalating Israeli military actions in violation of international law. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated the air base had previously hosted foreign fighters and has recently undergone rehabilitation efforts led by Turkey, a primary supporter of Syria’s current government.
The United States expressed concern about the strikes through Ambassador Tom Barrack, who stated the action appeared unnecessary and potentially destabilizing. Barrack noted that Syria’s Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has indicated preferences for de-escalation with Israel and has not adopted aggressive postures. Several regional powers, including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, released statements opposing the military action.
Tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria have increased since the fall of former President Bashar Assad’s government in December 2024. Since that transition, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes aimed at dismantling military assets and has maintained control over a buffer zone in southern Syria. Ongoing U.S.-mediated security negotiations between Israel and Syria have continued for more than a year without achieving a resolution.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI