US condemns 'unnecessary escalation' after Israeli airstrikes on Syrian airbase
Damascus called the attacks 'an unjustified act of aggression' that imperilled regional security.
The United States has condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian military airbase near the Turkish border, labeling the action an "unnecessary escalation." This rare rebuke from the US follows reports of the strikes.
Syrian state television reported that eight airstrikes targeted the runway and storage facility at Abu Duhur airport on Tuesday, though no injuries were reported.
While Israel did not directly comment on the strikes, it stated that Syria "was on the verge of breaching" the security status quo, accusing Damascus of permitting Turkish troops to deploy at the airbase. Both Syria and Turkey attributed the attacks to the Israeli military, warning that they threaten to heighten regional tensions.
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and Donald Trump's special envoy for Syria and Iraq, criticized the attacks in a social media post. On X, Barrack wrote, "We are deeply concerned that the confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability."
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement asserting, "Israel and Syria agreed to a status quo in security matters, which Syria was on the verge of breaching by permitting Turkish troops to deploy at an airbase near Aleppo."
Syria's foreign ministry denounced the attacks as "an unjustified act of aggression" that jeopardizes regional "security and stability."
Turkey, however, did not confirm any troop movements to the Abu Duhur airbase, which is located 70km from its border. Ankara rejected Israel's suggestion that it posed a threat. Turkey's Communications Directorate, quoted by the Anadolu state news agency, stated, "The frivolous allegations put forward by the Israeli Prime Minister's office aim to legitimize Israel's unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The Abu Duhur military base, captured by anti-Assad forces in December 2024, has not been operational as a dedicated military airfield since 2013. Rebel forces seized control of the base during their sweep through the country in December 2024.
Syria has been working to rebuild its military facilities damaged during the swift offensive that led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's government within two weeks. The Turkish military has provided assistance to Syria since Assad's ouster, while Israel maintains deep suspicion towards both countries.
Since Al-Sharaa came to power, Israel has conducted airstrikes in parts of central and southern Syria, with the latest strikes being the most significant since March.
Barrack noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the rebel forces against Assad, "has neither adopted nor maintained proxy forces" and "repeatedly indicated a preference for de-escalation with Israel." Barrack added that the US would continue to offer to host diplomatic discussions between both sides to address "kinetic frustrations."
Al-Sharaa has cultivated closer ties with Western nations, particularly the US, since assuming power. This was underscored by his visit to the White House in November last year, marking the first time a Syrian leader had done so.