Israeli Airstrikes Damage Runway at Syrian Airbase, No Casualties Reported

Syrian state television reported that Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday targeted an airbase in the country's northwest, causing material damage without resulting in any casualties. The report said eight strikes hit the runway of the Abu Duhur airbase in Idlib province, but provided no further details.

The Israeli military has not commented on the attack. Turkish officials also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said foreign fighters had previously been stationed at the base but were recently asked to leave. The Observatory also noted that Turkey, a key backer of Syria's current government, has been working to rehabilitate the airbase, which had been out of service for years during Syria's long conflict.

Tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria have escalated since the fall of Bashar Assad's government in December 2024. Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes across Syria since then, primarily targeting assets of the former Syrian army to prevent them from falling into the hands of the new authorities.

Last year, Israeli drone strikes on a southern suburb of Damascus killed eight soldiers and wounded others. While the new government in Damascus has stated it does not seek conflict with Israel, Israel remains wary of the administration led by former Islamist insurgents.