The United States has issued a rare rebuke of Israel following reports of Israeli airstrikes targeting the Abu Duhur airport, near the Turkish border. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, October 26, 2024, represents a significant escalation of tensions in the region following a period of heightened instability. Eight airstrikes hit the Abu Duhur airport runway and storage facility, according to Syrian state TV, although no injuries were reported. Israel, while not directly commenting on the strikes, stated that Syria was ‘on the verge of breaching’ the security status quo, accusing Damascus of allowing Turkish troops to deploy to the airbase. Syria and Turkey blamed the Israeli military for the attacks, which they described as a threat to regional security and stability. Tom Barrack, the US ambassador in Turkey, posted a statement on social media criticizing the actions, asserting that the attacks constitute an ‘unnecessary escalation’ that does not advance regional stability. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a statement, stating that Israel and Syria agreed to a status quo in security matters, referencing a previous agreement where Syria was on the verge of breaching security regulations by deploying troops near the airbase.
Syria’s foreign ministry called the attacks ‘an unjustified act of aggression,’ imperiling regional security and stability. Turkey, meanwhile, declined to confirm whether any of its troops moved to the Abu Duhur airbase, stating that Ankara rejected Israel’s suggestion that it posed a threat. The Turkish military has provided assistance to Syria since the overthrow of Assad, while Israel continues to view both countries with deep suspicion. Israel has carried out airstrikes on parts of central and southern Syria since Al-Sharaa came to power, with the latest strikes being the most significant since March. Barrack emphasized that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has neither adopted nor maintained proxy forces, repeatedly indicating a preference for de-escalation with Israel. Israel has pledged to continue offering diplomatic discussions between both sides to address ‘kinetic frustrations,’ adding that the US would continue to support hosting discussions to manage the situation.
Al-Sharaa, who led the rebel forces against Assad, has forged closer ties with the West since coming to power, particularly the US, signified by his becoming the first Syrian leader to visit the White House in November last year. The US has consistently expressed its concern over the situation and has authorized diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions. According to a report by the United Nations, the total number of military personnel deployed to Syria since the overthrow of Assad has increased significantly, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the continued involvement of multiple nations in the region. The situation is further complicated by ongoing territorial disputes and the potential for further instability in the region. The US has also expressed concerns about the impact of these escalations on international stability. The economic consequences of the conflict are also being felt, impacting global supply chains and energy markets.
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Source: BBC News
