US Envoy condemns 'Israeli' airstrike on Syrian airbase

The United States has strongly criticized Israel for conducting eight airstrikes on a Syrian military airbase near the Turkish border, labeling the action an "unnecessary escalation." Syrian state TV reported that the eight strikes hit the Abu Duhur airport runway and storage facility on Tuesday, though there were no injuries reported.

Israel did not directly comment on the strikes but accused Syria of being "on the verge of breaching" the security status quo, claiming Damascus allowed Turkish troops to deploy to the airbase. Both Syria and Turkey blamed the Israeli military for the attacks, which they said risked escalating tensions in the region. The US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, expressed deep concern over the strikes, stating that they were unnecessary and did not contribute to regional stability.

In a statement on social media, Barrack emphasized that the attacks did not advance regional stability. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, countered that Syria had breached an agreed-upon status quo by permitting Turkish troops to operate at the base. Syria's foreign ministry denounced the attacks as an "unjustified act of aggression" threatening regional security.

Turkey denied its troops moved to Abu Duhur, dismissing Israel's claims. The base, previously out of service since 2013, had been seized by rebel forces during a December 2024 offensive. Syria has been attempting to restore its military facilities damaged during the Assad regime's overthrow. Turkey has supported Syria since the regime's fall, while Israel maintains deep suspicion of both nations.

Israel has launched airstrikes in central and southern Syria since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took office, with the latest being the most significant since March. Barrack indicated that the US remains open to mediating diplomatic discussions between Israel and Syria to address regional disputes.