Syria blames Israel for strike on Abu Duhur airfield, US envoy calls it unnecessary escalation
Syria said an Israeli airstrike damaged the runway of Abu Duhur military airport near the Turkish border, while a US envoy described the attack as an unnecessary escalation that threatens regional stability.
Unidentified fighter jets struck the runway of Abu Duhur military airport in northwestern Syria overnight on Monday, causing material damage but no reported casualties, according to a Syrian state television source. Damascus attributed the attack to Israel, describing it as an "unjustified act of aggression" and urging the United Nations Security Council to condemn the violation of Syrian sovereignty. Israel has not commented on the incident.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who serves as ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and Iraq, said the confirmed Israeli airstrikes represent an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability. He added that the interim Syrian government has shown a preference for de-escalation with Israel and that restraint and diplomatic engagement are more constructive.
The strike hit the runway of the Abu Duhur airfield, located about 70 km from the Turkish border in Idlib province. The base, which has been out of service as a dedicated airfield since 2013, has recently been used as a training centre for Syria's new army following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the attack followed a recent Turkish military delegation visit to the site.
Israeli officials have previously warned that Syria's efforts to rebuild its air force, including pilot recruitment and training exercises, could pose a security threat. The latest strike, if confirmed as Israeli, would be the first such operation by the Israeli Air Force since March, when it hit Syrian military positions in response to alleged attacks on Druze civilians.