US condemns 'unnecessary escalation' after Israeli airstrikes on Syrian airbase

The United States has expressed deep concern over Israel's recent airstrikes on a Syrian military airbase near the Turkish border, calling the attack an "unnecessary escalation" that threatens regional stability. Eight airstrikes hit the Abu Duhur airport runway and storage facility on Tuesday, though there were no reported casualties.

While Israel did not directly comment on the strikes, it accused Syria of breaching the established security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy at the airbase. Syria and Turkey blamed Israel for the attacks, which they claimed risked escalating tensions in the region.

Tom Barrack, the US ambassador in Turkey, criticized the Israeli strikes in a social media post, stating that the attacks "do not advance regional stability." The Israeli Prime Minister's office responded, asserting that Syria had violated the security status quo by permitting Turkish troops to deploy at the airbase, which is located 70km from the Turkish border.

Turkey denied these allegations, rejecting the Israeli claim that its presence at the airbase posed a threat. Syria's foreign ministry described the attacks as an "unjustified act of aggression" that imperils regional security and stability.

Abu Duhur Airbase, which has been out of service since 2013, was taken over by rebel forces during the civil war. Syria has been attempting to rebuild its military facilities damaged during recent offensives. Turkey has provided assistance to Syria since the overthrow of Assad in 2013, while Israel maintains deep suspicion of both nations.

The US ambassador emphasized that the Syrian government has neither adopted nor maintained proxy forces and has repeatedly expressed a willingness for de-escalation with Israel. The US is ready to host diplomatic discussions between Israel and Syria to address any "kinetic frustrations."