Israel conducted airstrikes on the Abu Duhur air base in northwest Syria early Tuesday. The action was taken to prevent the deployment of Turkish troops at the site. Turkey has maintained close relations with Syria’s government and supports Syria’s military operations. This has led to ongoing tensions with Israel as both countries attempt to limit each other’s influence in the region.
The airstrikes focused on the runway of the air base in Idlib province, causing damage but not resulting in any casualties, according to Syrian state TV. Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, condemned the strikes, labeling them as “unjustified aggression” and a “violation of Syria’s sovereignty.” He emphasized that the attack posed threats to regional and global stability.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the strikes were necessary to stop Syria from breaching a previously agreed “status quo” concerning security matters. Syria had been warned not to allow Turkish troops to station at the air base, but reportedly ignored the warnings.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli airstrikes, urging the international community to address what they view as escalating aggression by Israel. They called for accountability and adherence to international law.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that foreign fighters had been stationed at the base until their recent departure. The Observatory noted that Turkey, a key supporter of the Syrian government, has been refurbishing the base, which had been inactive during prolonged conflicts that resulted in significant casualties.
Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, expressed concern over the Israeli airstrikes, stating that they represent an unnecessary escalation undermining regional stability. Barrack highlighted that Syria’s interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, prefers de-escalation and has not pursued aggressive policies towards Israel.
Other regional powers, including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, also issued statements condemning the airstrikes. Relations between Israel and Turkey regarding Syrian issues have been strained since the fall of Bashar Assad’s government in December 2024. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria post-Assad, targeting Syrian military assets to prevent their capture by successor forces.
The Israeli military currently holds a U.N.-monitored buffer zone in southern Syria. Last year, Israeli drone attacks in Damascus killed several soldiers, further heightening tensions. Although the new Syrian leadership states it does not seek conflict, Israel remains wary.
U.S.-facilitated negotiations between Israel and Syria have been ongoing for over a year in efforts to reach a security agreement. However, these talks have yet to result in any successful accords.