Israeli jets strike Syrian airbase near Turkish border

Eight Israeli airstrikes struck the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria early Tuesday, targeting the runway and storage facilities, according to Syria's state-run Ekhbariya TV, which cited a military source.

The attack caused no casualties, a military source and a civilian living near the base confirmed. The Israeli military declined to comment on the strikes, and Syria's defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The airbase, located roughly 70 kilometres from the Turkish border, has not functioned as a dedicated military airfield since 2013. During Syria's 14-year civil war, it changed hands multiple times between forces loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad and opposition factions. Since Assad's ouster in late 2024, the base has served as a training centre for Syria's new army, the military source said.

The strikes come amid rising tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on August 6 that Israel continued to threaten Syria's security through repeated attacks, urging international pressure on Israel to respect Syria's territorial integrity.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued direct warnings to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, saying Israel would not allow steps that strengthen Syria's military capabilities in ways that could threaten Israel.

Syria conducted air exercises in the north in early August using Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jets — the first such drills since Assad's fall. Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported on August 11 that Israeli security officials had detected signs Syria was accelerating efforts to rebuild its air force, including pilot recruitment, flight training, and a first exercise with fighter aircraft. Kan quoted an Israeli security source as saying Israel was closely monitoring the developments and had shared its concerns with the United States.