Syrian Foreign Minister Denies Turkish Military Presence at Israeli-Struck Airbase

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shayebni has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Israel targeted a Turkish military presence in a recent airstrike on a Syrian airbase. The strike, which occurred at a base approximately 72 kilometers from the Turkish border, involved Israeli warplanes dropping at least eight bombs on runways and hangars. Al-Shayebni told Axios that Syria had informed Israel there was no Turkish military buildup at the site, which was largely empty and undergoing repairs to serve only the Syrian Air Force.

Despite acknowledging that Turkish officers had visited the base days before the strike, al-Shayebni described their presence as part of ongoing military cooperation limited to training and expertise exchange, similar to arrangements with Jordan and Russia. He emphasized Syria's sovereign right to establish partnerships with any country, including Turkey. The Syrian government also communicated with the United States to prevent escalation, expressing distrust of Israel's intentions.

In response to the strike, Netanyahu posted a video warning Damascus not to repeat such actions, while U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he was briefed but declined to condemn the attack. Al-Shayebni criticized Israel's military actions, stating that de-escalation requires mutual responsibility and that Israel must acknowledge Syria's security concerns for long-term stability. He also expressed willingness to negotiate border calm despite previous failed U.S.-mediated attempts, which he attributed to Israeli withdrawal from commitments.