Attack and Immediate Reactions
Syrian state media reported that Israel launched airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria's northwest on Tuesday, the first such attack on Syrian government property since March. The bombing targeted the runway and storage areas, with eight strikes in total. There were no reported casualties, and the Israeli military refused to comment. Syria's defence ministry did not reply to requests for a statement.[S2]
Amidst the Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian airbase, US diplomat Tom Barrack voiced apprehension, deeming the strikes an unwarranted intensification that undermines regional peace. He advocated for rational dialogue instead of military action. Congressman Joe Wilson condemned the attack as unilateral aggression. Conversely, an Israeli official revealed that sensitive intelligence was shared with the US beforehand.[S2][S4]
Message to Damascus and Ankara
Analysts view the strike as a message not only to the Syrian government but also to Turkey, which has backed rebel groups and maintains a military presence in northern Syria. The base is close to Idlib and within the Turkish sphere of influence. Israel has previously expressed opposition to Turkish influence, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called Turkey 'the new Iran'.[S1]
The attack follows a pattern of Israeli strikes on Syrian airbases, including T4 and Palmyra in March 2025, which were reportedly visited by Turkish military delegations. Israel appears to be drawing a red line against the reconstruction of Syrian military infrastructure, particularly with Turkish assistance that could improve Syrian air capability or restrict Israeli freedom of operation over Syrian airspace.[S1][S3]
Syria's Response and Context
Syria's Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shibani, urged an end to the attacks, stating that Israel must reconsider its stance as it confronts not only Damascus but also its allies. He emphasized Syria's commitment to diplomatic efforts to deter Israel from this course of action. The targeted airbase, located approximately 70 kilometers from the Turkish border, has been inactive as a military airfield since 2013 and has experienced multiple changes in control throughout the civil war.[S2]
Israel's distrust of Syria's current leadership runs deep, stemming from their Islamist militant origins. Israel has made it clear that it will not accept an Islamist presence along its border. Despite President Ahmed al-Sharaa's friendly relations with Western nations and his wish for a security pact, Israel has consistently targeted Syrian forces since the 2024 ousting of Assad, capturing southwestern areas and significantly damaging the Syrian army's heavy weaponry.[S2]
