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

The United States has expressed strong disapproval of Israel's recent military strikes on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border, describing the action as an "unnecessary escalation." According to Syrian state TV, eight airstrikes targeted the Abu Duhur airport runway and storage facility on Tuesday, although there were no casualties reported.

Israel claimed Syria was close to violating the existing security status quo, alleging Damascus allowed Turkish troops to deploy at the airbase. Both Syria and Turkey denied Israel's accusations, with Turkey stating the allegations were intended to validate Israel's unlawful strikes on Syrian sovereignty. The U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, criticized the attacks as an escalation that does not promote regional stability.

Israel and Syria had previously agreed to a status quo in security matters, which Syria accused of being threatened by Turkey's troop deployment. Turkey rejected Israel's claim, emphasizing that it was an attempt to legitimize Israel's unlawful actions. The U.S. remains open to facilitating diplomatic talks between the two sides to address any tensions, an offer accepted by the Syrian president, who has shown a preference for de-escalation with Israel.