Ankara, Turkey – The Turkish Presidency on Wednesday strongly rejected Israeli justifications for the airstrikes targeting the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria’s Idlib province. Ankara asserted in an official statement that these attacks will only exacerbate regional tensions. It also emphasized, in no uncertain terms, that it will never allow any regional or external attempts to destabilize Syria or undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement issued by the Turkish Presidency clarified that the “baseless claims” promoted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are nothing more than a failed attempt to justify illegal airstrikes that violate the sovereignty of states. Turkey also reiterated its full commitment to continuing close cooperation with the Syrian government to strengthen security, stability, and prosperity throughout the country. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of establishing a lasting and comprehensive peace in the entire region.
Details of the Israeli raids and security claims regarding a military buildup
In the same vein, the Axios news website, citing American and Israeli officials, revealed that Tel Aviv had informed Washington in advance that the military attack on Abu al-Duhur airbase was intended to prevent what it claimed was an anticipated Turkish military buildup at the base. The website also noted alleged Israeli concerns about the potential transfer of advanced weapons systems to the base.
According to the same sources, Israeli fighter jets dropped at least eight bombs, clearly targeting the runways and several hangars within the airbase. This bombing caused material damage to the recently reconstructed runways. No casualties were reported as a result of the attack.
Turkish denial and US diplomatic efforts to urge restraint
Conversely, a high-ranking Turkish official was quick to deny the presence of any Turkish forces inside the Abu al-Duhur base at the time of the attack. He also accused Israel of deliberately fabricating flimsy pretexts to bomb neighboring countries, expand the circle of chaos, and destabilize the region. Meanwhile, Axios quoted US officials as believing that part of the motivation behind the Israeli strike was linked to domestic political calculations. They also pointed to the upcoming Israeli elections.
Amid these field and political developments, the website reported that the Syrian government refrained from taking any hostile steps toward Israel. Meanwhile, the administration of US President Donald Trump issued official calls to Damascus urging restraint, coinciding with ongoing Syrian efforts to push for the implementation of a trilateral agreement with the United States and Israel. This agreement stipulates the establishment of a joint coordination center in Jordan.
