Israel Strikes Syrian Abu al-Duhur Airbase, Damaging Runways and Infrastructure

A recent Israeli airstrike severely damaged all four runways and additional infrastructure at the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Syria's Idlib province, according to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah. The attack occurred after two Israeli jets crossed Syrian airspace from Lebanon. Syria formally condemned the strike by submitting letters to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council.

This strike is the third targeting Syrian military sites that Turkey has been attempting to rehabilitate, following recent Turkish military training flights in northern Syria and ongoing reconstruction efforts at the base. Israeli officials confirmed responsibility for the attack, stating it aimed to prevent the deployment of Turkish forces at the airbase near Aleppo.

The incident took place amid ongoing Israeli-Syrian negotiations and Turkey's efforts to expand its influence in the region. The US envoy to Syria and Turkey, Tom Barrett, criticized Israel, warning that Ankara might respond militarily to Israeli actions. Syrian military and local sources reported no casualties from the strike, which involved four aircraft targeting runways and storage facilities approximately 70 kilometers from the Turkish border.

Israel's concern centers on Turkey potentially deploying weaponry, including drones and air defense systems, in Syria, a move Israel has previously warned against. The escalating tensions highlight the complex interplay between Israeli, Syrian, and Turkish interests in northern Syria.