Israel Says It Struck Syria Base Over Turkish Military Presence

The Israeli Air Force struck Abu al-Duhur Air Base in Syria over the deployment of Turkish military personnel there.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said this on X.

The statement recalled that Israel and Syria had agreed to maintain the existing security status quo.

According to the Israeli side, Damascus jeopardized the agreement by allowing Turkey to deploy military personnel at the air base near Aleppo.

The August 18 strike on Abu al-Duhur Air Base was the first Israeli strike on a facility belonging to Syrian government forces since March 2026. Israeli aircraft carried out eight strikes on the base, damaging the runway and storage facilities.

No casualties were reported.

According to Clash Report, the air base housed aircraft operated by the Syrian Air Force, which is undergoing reconstruction.

These reportedly included about two refurbished Su-22 fighter-bombers, several L-39 trainer aircraft and older helicopters.

The airstrike came after footage recently emerged showing refurbished Su-22s conducting training flights over northern Syria.

There is currently no official confirmation that Turkish military personnel were present at the air base. However, after the new authorities came to power in Syria, Turkey began actively developing bilateral relations with the country in both the economic and defense spheres.

In August 2025, Militarnyi reported that Turkey would provide Syria with weapons, military equipment and logistical support under a recently signed defense agreement.

The announcement came after Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, signed a memorandum of understanding. The document provides for cooperation in providing military support to Syria.

Earlier, in February 2025, Syria’s new authorities proposed that Turkey establish air bases in the country to replace Russia.

In addition, Turkey would be allowed to use Syrian airspace for military purposes and would undertake to provide assistance in the event of external threats.