Damascus, Syria – Unidentified aircraft launched four intense airstrikes early Tuesday morning, directly targeting the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airport in southeastern Idlib province, Syria. Local sources initially suggested the aircraft were Israeli. However, no official confirmation has yet been issued by relevant authorities identifying the aircraft or the party responsible for the attack. Information regarding the extent of material damage and casualties remains unavailable. This marks the first such attack on the strategic military airport since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The airport’s strategic location and military history
Abu al-Duhur Airport occupies a strategically and militarily vital location, situated approximately 27 kilometers east of Saraqib, adjacent to the town of Abu al-Duhur. The airport’s strategic position at a crossroads connecting the governorates of Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo, as well as its proximity to the Syrian Desert, makes it a key military base in northern Syria. It was once under the control of the Assad regime and served for many years as a major staging point for military operations in the region. Official and local estimates of its total area vary; some sources indicate it covers approximately 16 square kilometers, while others estimate it at around 23 square kilometers. Its infrastructure includes several military runways.
There are strong indications of Israeli involvement and a complex regional context.
Informed sources suggested that the attack originated from Israel, which has recently intensified its airstrikes on various military sites in Syria following the collapse of the previous regime. Israeli strikes have repeatedly targeted the vicinity of Damascus, the Syrian coast, and Homs province. In addition, the strikes have targeted vital military airfields such as Mezzeh Airport, as well as ammunition and weapons depots. Subsequently, the pace of strikes in central Syria has slowed somewhat, with a focus on ground operations in the south.
