The United States has expressed concern over Israeli airstrikes targeting the Abu al-Duhur Air Base in northwestern Syria, issuing a notable warning against further military escalation in the region.
US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said Washington was “deeply concerned” by the confirmed Israeli strikes and described the military action as an “unnecessary escalation” that does not contribute to regional stability.
Barrack’s remarks marked a significant public criticism of Israel’s military activity in Syria at a time when Washington is attempting to promote dialogue between Damascus and Tel Aviv.
ISRAELI STRIKES TARGET ABU AL-DUHUR AIR BASE
According to Syrian state television, Israeli warplanes carried out multiple strikes against the Abu al-Duhur military air base in Syria’s Idlib province.
The reports said the facility was hit in eight separate airstrikes, with the runway among the targets.
Material damage was reported at the site, but Syrian authorities said there were no casualties.
The Israeli military did not immediately publicly comment on the strikes.
BARRACK: “DEEPLY CONCERNED”
Barrack made Washington’s position clear following the attack, warning that renewed military action could undermine efforts to stabilize Syria and reduce tensions across the region.
He said the confirmed Israeli strikes constituted an unnecessary escalation that did not serve regional stability.
The statement was particularly significant because it came from a senior US official directly involved in Washington’s diplomatic efforts concerning both Syria and the wider region.
BARRACK POINTS TO SHARAA GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH
Barrack also highlighted the position taken by the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa toward Israel.
According to the US envoy, the Sharaa administration has neither adopted an aggressive posture toward Israel nor maintained proxy forces to confront it.
Instead, Barrack argued, Damascus has repeatedly demonstrated a preference for de-escalating tensions with Israel.
His comments effectively underscored Washington’s view that the current Syrian government has been pursuing de-escalation rather than confrontation.
US TO CONTINUE HOSTING SYRIA-ISRAEL TALKS
Barrack emphasized that diplomacy, rather than renewed military confrontation, should determine the next phase of relations between Syria and Israel.
He said the United States would continue hosting talks between the two sides, as it has done previously, in an effort to preserve diplomatic momentum.
Washington believes that agreements aimed at reducing persistent tensions can only be achieved through sustained dialogue involving the relevant countries and regional actors.
Barrack urged all sides to prioritize restraint, engagement and rational dialogue instead of allowing new military incidents to derail diplomatic efforts.
TURKISH MILITARY DELEGATION REPORTEDLY VISITED BASE BEFORE STRIKES
Another detail surrounding the attack has drawn particular attention in Türkiye.
According to regional reports, the Israeli strikes took place only hours after a Turkish military delegation reportedly visited the Abu al-Duhur Air Base.
The Turkish delegation was reportedly examining the facility as part of preparations related to the rehabilitation of its runways and infrastructure.
The Associated Press also reported that Türkiye had begun rehabilitation work at the long-unused facility.
This detail gives the incident broader significance beyond the Israel-Syria confrontation, particularly as Ankara expands its military and security cooperation with Syria’s new government.
DAMASCUS HOLDS ISRAEL RESPONSIBLE
Syrian authorities blamed Israel for the attack and condemned the strikes as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.
Israel, meanwhile, did not immediately provide a detailed public explanation for the operation.
The attack comes amid continuing tensions between Israel and Syria despite diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a more stable security arrangement between the two countries.
WASHINGTON PUSHES FOR RESTRAINT
Barrack’s message ultimately centered on preventing another cycle of military escalation.
The United States continues to believe that restraint and diplomatic engagement offer a more constructive path for both Israel and Syria, the envoy said, calling on the parties to prioritize dialogue over new military incidents.
The development is particularly significant because it brings together three increasingly interconnected issues: Israel’s military operations in Syria, Washington’s diplomatic efforts with Damascus, and Türkiye’s growing security role inside Syria.
The reported timing of the strikes — shortly after a Turkish military delegation visited the air base — could also make Abu al-Duhur a new point of attention in the increasingly complex relationship between Ankara, Damascus and Tel Aviv.
