Turkey Vows Continued Military Support for Syria After Israeli Airstrike

Turkey's Ministry of Defense issued a strong statement on Thursday condemning Israel's recent airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur military base in northern Syria. Ankara declared it will persist in supporting Syria's sovereignty and military development, rejecting Israeli claims of Turkish military presence at the site as a fabricated pretext for the attack. The statement emphasized Turkey's determination to protect Syria's territorial integrity and criticized Israel for its "reckless" strikes, demanding they cease immediately.

This escalation follows Israel's rare official admission of responsibility for the strike, which Jerusalem justified by accusing Syria of violating the security status quo by allowing Turkish forces near Aleppo. Turkish media responded aggressively, labeling Israel's actions a "serious provocation" and asserting that "Turkey is the real problem for the Zionists." A Turkish national security expert challenged Israel to direct combat, reflecting Ankara's heightened rhetoric.

The tensions come shortly after an unusual phone call last week between Mossad chief David Barnea and Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad, focusing on Turkey's military presence in Syria. Miqdad denied any cooperation with Turkey to establish a base at Abu al-Duhur, stating the base was mostly empty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning against Turkish military entrenchment in Syria, asserting Israel will not tolerate threats and that the message was made unmistakably clear.

Turkey's firm stance signals no intention to back down, raising concerns about further escalation between Jerusalem and Ankara. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously stated Turkey seeks peace but will not hesitate to engage in war if provoked.