Eight Israeli airstrikes targeted Syria’s Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Idlib province early Tuesday, according to Syrian state media. The strikes damaged the runway and storage facilities but caused no reported casualties, Syrian authorities stated. Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office referenced a security understanding with Syria that was allegedly breached by Turkish troop deployments at the base.
Syria condemns strikes as violation of sovereignty
Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the airstrikes as an "unjustified act of aggression" and a "flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," demanding international support to counter the alleged Israeli aggression. Syrian state television reported eight strikes on the runway of the Abu al-Duhur base, located approximately 70 kilometers from the Turkish border. The Syrian government has not provided details on damage or casualties.
U.S. joins Syria in criticizing Israeli action
U.S. Special Envoy to Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack criticized the strikes, calling them an "unnecessary escalation" that "does not advance regional stability." Barrack stated that Syria’s post-Assad government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has shown no predatory posture toward Israel and has repeatedly indicated a preference for de-escalation. The U.S. urged all parties to prioritize "logical discourse" over further military incidents.
Israel cites security concerns over Turkish presence
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that Syria had violated a security understanding by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the airbase near Aleppo. The statement warned that any threats to Israel’s security would not be tolerated and called for a return to the previous status quo. Israeli officials have not directly confirmed responsibility for the strikes, though local reports cited anonymous sources suggesting non-involvement.
Context: Post-Assad Syria and regional tensions
The Abu al-Duhur Airbase has changed hands multiple times during Syria’s civil war. Rebel forces captured it in 2015, loyalist forces reclaimed it in 2018, and rebel forces recaptured it in November 2024 following the fall of the Assad regime. Since then, the base has been under the control of Syria’s new government, which has sought to rehabilitate the facility with Turkish assistance. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that foreign fighters previously used the base but were recently asked to leave.
International reactions and unanswered questions
Turkish officials have not immediately responded to requests for comment. The identity of the aircraft involved remains unverified, with some regional outlets suggesting Israeli involvement while others refrain from attribution. The strikes follow a pattern of Israeli military actions in Syria since the collapse of the Assad regime, though this incident marks a notable divergence with U.S. policy.