US Envoy Condemns Israeli Airstrike in Syria as Unnecessary Escalation Threatening Regional Stability

Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria appointed by President Donald Trump, publicly criticized Israel for its recent airstrike in Syria, describing it as an "entirely unnecessary escalation" that undermines regional stability. The attack targeted the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib province in northwestern Syria, causing damage to runways but no casualties among Syrian army personnel stationed there. Barrack emphasized that the Syrian government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has expressed a desire to reduce tensions with Israel and does not maintain proxy forces or adopt a hostile stance.

Barrack highlighted that the United States has previously hosted and will continue to host talks aimed at encouraging Syria and Israel to pursue diplomatic channels rather than military actions. He called for restraint and dialogue, stating that stable agreements to reduce tensions require ongoing communication among all involved parties. The criticism follows reports that the Israeli strike occurred shortly after a Turkish military delegation visited the airbase to assist in runway repairs.

Israeli security sources have recently noted an acceleration in Syrian efforts to rebuild their air force, including recruiting new pilots, conducting training with trainer aircraft and helicopters, and holding the first combat exercises with Sukhoi fighter jets in northern Syria. Syria, under al-Sharaa's leadership, receives support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia, France, and other regional countries. Israeli defense officials are closely monitoring these developments, particularly concerns about a potential Turkish military presence in Syria that could include air defense systems, which might restrict Israel's freedom of operation in Syrian airspace.