Israel strikes Syrian military airfield after Turkish delegation visit, drawing rare US rebuke

Israel launched an unusual military strike on a Syrian airfield overnight, targeting the Abu al-Duhur airfield in eastern Idlib. The attack came after a reported visit by a Turkish delegation to the site. Syrian and regional reports indicate that four unidentified aircraft hit the airfield, damaging runways and storage facilities.

Syrian military officials confirmed four aircraft strikes, stating there were no casualties. In contrast, Turkey strongly condemned the Israeli strikes, accusing them of violating international law and calling for a tougher international response. U.S. special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack expressed deep concern over the strikes, describing them as an "unnecessary escalation" that does not advance regional stability.

Barrack praised Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his government's preference for reducing tensions with Israel, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue over military incidents. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation but declined to comment further. A senior Israeli official acknowledged to Fox News that Israel had carried out the operation, stating that the U.S. had been provided "sensitive intelligence" prior to the strike.

Syrian authorities blamed Israel for the attack, while Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani condemned the Israeli aggression, calling it a violation of Syrian sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. The strike's timing and diplomatic reaction drew significant attention, as it came after a Turkish military delegation's visit to the airfield to assess runway rehabilitation.