Turkey Denies Military Presence at Syrian Base After Israeli Airstrikes, Vows Continued Support

Following Israeli airstrikes on a military base in southern Syria, Turkey's Defense Ministry stated on Thursday that no Turkish military delegation was present at the targeted airbase before or during the attacks. The ministry reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to supporting Syria's military and infrastructure development efforts. It also called on the international community to take more concrete and effective measures against Israeli actions, which Turkey claims threaten regional peace and stability.

Earlier the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey is being dragged into dangerous adventures in Syria. Gallant emphasized Israel's resolve to prevent any threats to its security and advised Erdogan to avoid testing Israel's determination. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this stance, stating Israel will not tolerate a Turkish military presence in Syria that threatens Israel and that Israel has made its position clear.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited IDF positions in the Syrian Golan Heights, affirming Israel's vigilance over developments on the Syrian front and its readiness to use precise force to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves near Israel's borders. He stressed the need to prevent both terrorist threats and significant military threats from emerging.

Reports indicated that Israeli intelligence shared sensitive information with the United States ahead of the strikes, which targeted the Abu al-Zuhur military airport in northern Syria. Reuters reported that Mossad chief Ronen Gutfman spoke with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani five days before the attack, discussing Turkish presence in Syria. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy to Syria and Washington's ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrett, warned that Turkey had not received prior warning and could have been prepared to respond to the Israeli strikes.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed the strikes aimed to counter Turkish forces deploying near Aleppo, stating Israel will not tolerate threats to its security and welcomes a return to the previous status quo.