Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani emphasized to Axios on Wednesday that there are no plans for a Turkish military base at Abu al‑Duhur airbase, the site Israel struck on Tuesday. He said the airfield is being repaired for future use by the Syrian Air Force, not for a permanent Turkish presence.
Turkish activity limited to training visits
Al‑Shaibani noted that Turkish officers had visited the base as part of broader military cooperation and training exercises, but the facility remains largely empty and is not yet operational. “There was no intention to establish a Turkish base there, nor to establish a permanent Turkish military presence or deploy Turkish forces at the site,” he said.
Israeli warning and reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel warned Syria ahead of the strike not to allow a Turkish presence at the airbase. “Our message was very clear. Don’t. I guess they didn’t quite understand the message,” Netanyahu added.
Syrian view on the strike
Al‑Shaibani called the Israeli bombing unjustified, stating that Israel had no legitimate reason to attack the airfield. He reiterated Syria’s openness to de‑escalation talks with Israel, noting that a year of U.S.‑mediated negotiations had produced significant progress toward a security agreement, which Israel later abandoned.
Calls for respect of sovereignty
The Syrian minister warned that any future agreement must address the security concerns of both sides while respecting Syrian sovereignty. He cautioned that continued Israeli military actions could increase regional instability.
Broader regional context
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where Syrian, Turkish, and Israeli interests intersect. While Turkey and Syria have cooperated on certain security matters, Israel remains wary of any perceived expansion of Turkish influence near its borders. The strike on Abu al‑Duhur reflects Israel’s broader strategy of preventing the establishment of foreign military footholds that could threaten its security calculus.
Analysts note that the episode may affect future diplomatic efforts, especially as the United States continues to play a mediating role. Both Syria and Turkey have expressed a desire to maintain stability, but divergent strategic goals and historical mistrust complicate the path forward.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
