In brief
The United States publicly rebuked Israel following reports that the country struck Syria’s Abu Duhur Airbase, marking the first overt criticism in the conflict. Eight airstrikes hit the runway and storage facilities, but no casualties were reported. Israel defended the attack as a response to a perceived threat from Turkish troop deployment at the base. Turkey denied any troop presence, while Syria called the strikes an unjustified act of aggression. US Ambassador Tom Barrack offered to host diplomacy between Israel and Syria to curb kinetic frustration.
US Rebukes Israel After Syria Airstrikes
The United States publicly criticized Israel following reports that the nation struck Syria’s Abu Duhur Airbase near the Turkish border, labeling the move an "unnecessary escalation" and the first overt rebuke by Washington in the wider Israel‑Syria conflict.
According to Syrian state TV, eight airstrikes were fired at the Abu Duhur runway and storage facilities on Tuesday, with no injuries reported. Israel did not confirm the strikes but released a statement saying Syria was on the verge of breaching a previously agreed security status quo, citing the alleged deployment of Turkish troops to the airbase.
Syria and Turkey both condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of escalating tensions in the region. Turkey’s communications director said the allegations were aimed at legitimizing Israel’s unlawful strikes and denied any troop presence near the airbase.
US Ambassador Tom Barrack, who also serves as Donald Trump’s special envoy for Syria and Iraq, posted a statement on X, calling the confirmed Israeli airstrikes "an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." He added that the United States would be ready to host diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Syria to address "kinetic frustrations".
Syria’s foreign ministry called the strikes an "unjustified act of aggression" that imperils security and stability, as the country continues rebuilding its military infrastructure after the fall of Bashar al‑Assad’s government.
The incident underscores a growing strain between Israel and its neighbors, with Israel maintaining a stance of deep suspicion toward both Turkey and Syria while continuing selective airstrikes in Syria. The U.S. appears to be stepping in to defuse potential conflicts, offering a diplomatic channel between the belligerent parties.
