Israeli warplanes strike airfield runway in Syria's Idlib, state TV reports

On Tuesday morning, Israeli warplanes conducted eight airstrikes against the runway of the Abu Al Duhur military airfield, located in the eastern part of Idlib, according to Syrian state television. The strikes resulted in damage to the airbase facilities but resulted in no reported casualties. As of now, the Israeli military has not issued any statement regarding the reported assault.

The Syrian regime, which was overthrown by rebels led by President Ahmad Al Shara in December 2024, has faced increased Israeli military actions since then. These actions are claimed by Israel to be targeting weapons and missile depots belonging to the former regime. The Israeli military has expanded its presence in southern Syria, including the demilitarized zone on Mount Hermon, which overlooks the capital Damascus.

Since the intensified Israeli military involvement, Israel has carried out strikes on Syrian government infrastructure sites in response to attacks on ethnic minority Druze communities in southwest Syria. Analysts have raised questions about the true intentions behind these actions. In March, Israel reported conducting strikes on Syrian government sites following attacks against Druze in Sweida.

Syria's Foreign Ministry denounced the latest Israeli attack, labeling it as a "flagrant violation" of international law and an act of aggression against Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel is also concerned about growing Turkish influence in Syria. Damascus and Ankara have signed agreements to establish a free zone in Idlib province.

President Al Shara has expressed interest in reaching a security agreement with Israel. He stated that such a deal could potentially lead to comprehensive peace between the nations without sacrificing Syria's claim to the Golan Heights, an area previously captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981.