US Condemns "Unnecessary Escalation" After Israeli Airstrike on Syrian Airbase
Washington has issued a sharp admonition against Israel following reports that Israeli forces struck the Abu Duhur military airbase on Tuesday. According to Syrian state television, eight aircraft hit the runway and storage facilities, but there were no reported casualties.
The U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, posted the condemnation on X, saying the attack "constitutes an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." Barrack added that the United States remains open to hosting diplomatic talks between Israel, Syria, and Turkey to address the kinetic tensions in the area.
Israel’s Prime Minister office explained the strike as a response to Syria allegedly letting Turkish troops deploy at a base near Aleppo. The Israeli statement noted that a status‑quo agreement had been agreed upon but was being breached by Syria, implying Israel’s action was defensive.
Syria and Turkey both denounced the attack, with the Syrian foreign ministry calling it "an unjustified act of aggression" that imperils security and stability. Ankara refuted Israel’s allegations and did not confirm whether Turkish forces had moved to the Abu Duhur base near the border.
The airbase, once a dedicated military site for the Assad regime, fell under rebel control in December 2024. Since then, Syrian forces have been rebuilding facilities damaged by the offensive that toppled Bashar al‑Assad’s government. Israel has kept a consistent military presence in central and southern Syria, claiming the latest strikes are part of a broader campaign to counter threats in the region.
The United States, participating in broader coalition efforts and maintaining diplomatic contact with Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, aims to push for de‑escalation, noting the latter’s preference for peace with Israel.
