US Condemns Israel Over Airstrikes on Syrian Airbase

The United States publicly rebuked Israel for an air campaign on Syria’s Abu Duhur airbase, describing the attack as an unnecessary escalation that could destabilise the region.

According to Syrian state television, eight Israeli airstrikes struck the runway and storage areas of the base on Tuesday, with no injuries reported. Israel’s statement denied involvement but highlighted concerns over possible security breaches, accusing Damascus of allowing Turkish troops to occupy the airbase.

U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack posted on X:

“We are deeply concerned that the confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability.”

Diplomatic responses followed quickly: Syria’s foreign ministry called the strikes an unjustified act of aggression that imperil security and stability, while Turkey’s Communications Directorate denied any deployment of troops to the airbase and condemned Israel’s allegations as frivolous.

Historically, Abu Duhur has been out of service since 2013, seized by anti‑Assad forces during the 2024 conflict sweep. The area remains strategically significant, lying only 70 km from the Turkish border and hosting ongoing efforts to rebuild military infrastructure after years of conflict.

Israel’s continued airstrikes in Syria, particularly in central and southern regions, have increased tension with both Syria and Turkey, while Syria has sought closer ties with the West, including hosting the first Syrian president at the White House in 2025.

The incident underscores the fragile security situation in these contested corridors and the broader need for diplomatic engagement to avert further kinetic ‘fracking’ in the region.