Israel conducted an air raid on the Abu Duhur air base located in Idlib province, north-west Syria, on Tuesday morning. The operation aimed to hinder the alleged deployment of Turkish military personnel in the region. According to reports from Syrian state media, the strike predominantly damaged the runway; there were no immediate reports of casualties resulting from the attack.

This military action is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey over their conflicting interests in Syria. Israel has expressed concerns regarding Turkish influence within the country, regarding it as a threat to its national security. The strike signifies Israel’s commitment to countering any military involvement by Turkey in areas it deems sensitive.

Reactions from Syrian and Turkish Officials

Following the airstrike, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani denounced the attack as “Israeli aggression.” He labelled the military action as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, characterising it as an unnecessary provocation that poses risks to both regional and global stability. Al-Shibani’s remarks reflect a belief that such strikes aggravate existing conflicts.

Similarly, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the assault and called upon the international community to adopt a firmer position against what it described as Israel’s escalating aggression towards Syria. Turkey urged for accountability regarding these actions, which it claims contravene international law. The heightened rhetoric showcases the growing friction between the two nations amid an already tense regional backdrop.

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that foreign fighters had previously occupied the air base before being ordered to depart recently. Turkey has been actively involved in rehabilitating the base, which had been non-operational for a considerable duration due to ongoing conflict in Syria that has reportedly claimed nearly half a million lives.

International Perspectives and Ongoing Tensions

Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and a special envoy for Syria, expressed his deep concern over the airstrikes, describing them as an unnecessary escalation that does not contribute to regional stability. He emphasised that the interim Syrian government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, had aimed for de-escalation in its dealings with Israel, challenging narratives of aggressive Syrian posturing.

In recent years, tensions between Israel and Turkey regarding the situation in Syria have intensified, particularly after the fall of Bashar Assad’s government in December 2024, which led to insurgents entering Damascus. Since then, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes focused on Syrian military targets, while also controlling a UN-monitored buffer zone in southern Syria.

Despite statements from the new authorities in Damascus declaring they do not seek conflict with Israel, the latter remains sceptical of the current government, which includes former Islamist insurgents. Over the past year, US-mediated discussions aimed at establishing a security agreement between Israel and Syria have been ongoing but have not yet resulted in a tangible outcome. The recent airstrike has further contributed to the already strained relations between these nations.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share