Israel strikes Syrian airbase over Turkish deployment

On August 18, 2026, Israel conducted eight airstrikes on the Syria — Abu al-Duhur Airbase in northwest Syria, targeting the runway and storage facilities. The strike was in response to alleged plans by Turkey to deploy troops at the base, which Israel viewed as a threat to its security. No casualties were reported. The attack drew condemnation from Turkey, Syria, and several regional countries, and was criticized by the U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack as an 'unnecessary escalation.' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that Syria was on the verge of breaching a security status quo by allowing Turkish deployment. Turkey rejected the allegations, calling them 'untenable' and accusing Israel of expansionist policies. The strike marked an escalation in tensions between Israel and Turkey over influence in Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The U.S. is working to establish a deconfliction mechanism among Israel, Turkey, and Syria.