In brief
The United States has publicly rebuked Israel after the latter allegedly struck the Abu al‑Duhur military airbase in Syria, calling the attack an unnecessary escalation that could destabilise the region. The airstrikes reportedly hit the runway and a storage facility, with no injuries reported. Syria and Turkey accused Israel of aggression, while Turkey denied deploying troops nearby. U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack urged diplomatic engagement to address the tensions. The incident underscores the fragile security dynamics between Israel, Syria, and Turkey amid their complex geopolitical rivalry.
US officials have sharply rebuked Israel following reports of airstrikes on the Abu al‑Duhur airbase in southern Syria. The strike, which hit the runway and a nearby storage facility, was denounced by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack as an unnecessary escalation that could destabilise the region.
Eight airstrikes were launched on Tuesday, according to Syrian state TV, with no casualties reported. Israel, while not confirming the attacks, suggested that Syria had “been on the verge of breaching” the security status quo, citing the presence of Turkish forces allegedly allowed to deploy near the airbase.
Both Syria and Turkey have condemned the strikes, describing them as unjustified aggression that threatens regional security. Turkey rejected Israel’s claims that its troops positioned at the base posed a threat, describing the allegations as “frivolous.”
The Abu al‑Duhur base, captured in December 2024 by rebel forces sweeping through Syria, has been out of service as a military airfield since 2013. Efforts to rebuild the facility have been complicated by the ongoing insurgency and shifting alliances.
Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes in Syria since President Al‑Sharaa came to power, with the latest in recent months being the most significant since March. Barrack emphasised that Al‑Sharaa has neither adopted nor maintained proxy forces and has repeatedly expressed a preference for de‑escalation with Israel.
The United States remains willing to host diplomatic discussions between Israel and Syria to address the tensions and promote stability.
The incident underscores the fragile security dynamics that bind Israel, Syria, and Turkey, and highlights the need for multilateral engagement to curb further escalation.
