Turkey condemns Israeli airstrikes on Syrian base

The United States has condemned Israel's recent airstrikes on a Syrian air base, calling it an unnecessary escalation. The strikes, which targeted the Abu al-Duhur base in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, reportedly damaged the base's runway and storage facilities, according to regional news sources. Syrian state television reported that eight Israeli airstrikes hit the base, citing a military source.

In a statement, the Syrian foreign ministry condemned the attacks as an unjustified act of aggression and a violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry emphasized that the Syrian state has been working to maintain stability and avoid escalation, despite facing repeated attacks since the collapse of the former Assad regime in early 2024.

The US Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, echoed these sentiments, stating that the US prioritizes logical discourse over military incidents and that the two countries should engage in dialogue instead.

Barrack further emphasized that the new Syrian government, led by former rebel leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, does not pose a threat and has indicated a preference for de-escalation with Israel. Al-Sharaa, who came to power in December 2024 after ending the Assad family dictatorship, has been publicly stated his desire to unify the country. However, Israel has cited Al-Sharaa's history and ties to extreme Islamist ideology as justification for its security measures against Syria.

Israel's actions have put it at odds with the United States, particularly with the Trump administration, which has fostered closer ties with the new Syrian government. The US lifted economic sanctions against Syria and even invited the president to the White House, a move unthinkable just a few years ago. In recent months, Syria has been rebuilding its air force, which Israel perceives as another threat to its security.