US and Syria Respond to Alleged Israeli Airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase

On August 18, 2026, Syrian state media reported that Israeli aircraft conducted eight airstrikes targeting the runway at the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Idlib province, northwestern Syria. The strikes caused damage to infrastructure but reportedly resulted in no casualties. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as an unjustified Israeli violation and called on the international community and the UN Security Council to denounce the repeated Israeli breaches.

Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the operation. However, the incident drew an unusual public response from the United States. Tom Barrett, the US Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, issued a rare statement expressing deep concern over the strikes, describing them as an unnecessary escalation that undermines regional stability. Barrett publicly supported the Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Shara, asserting that Damascus does not seek conflict with Israel and prefers to reduce tensions.

Barrett emphasized ongoing US efforts to promote diplomatic dialogue between Israel and Syria to prevent military clashes. He highlighted that de-escalation agreements are being developed through continuous talks with all relevant parties and urged restraint and prioritization of dialogue over further military actions.

The Abu al-Duhur Airbase, located about 70 kilometers from the Turkish border, had been inactive for years due to damage sustained during Syria's civil war. Recently, a Turkish military delegation visited the base as part of early efforts to rehabilitate its runways. The base is currently secured by Syrian Defense Ministry forces, reflecting Turkey's significant influence in post-Assad Syria and adding complexity to the regional dynamics involving Israel.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, the new Syrian leadership under Ahmad al-Shara has sought to avoid confrontation with Israel. The US has facilitated negotiations between Jerusalem and Damascus, aiming for a de-escalation agreement that would include Israel halting certain strikes and Syria refraining from deploying heavy equipment near the Israeli border. Barrett described progress in these talks as a breakthrough earlier this year, underscoring the US commitment to fostering long-term understandings between the two countries.