Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria, expressed deep concern on 18/8 regarding an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase, calling it an "unnecessary escalation" that does not contribute to regional stability.

According to Barrack, the Syrian government has shown "no aggressive posture or maintained proxy forces, and in fact, has repeatedly expressed a desire to de-escalate tensions with Israel." He affirmed that the US will continue discussions to resolve issues through diplomacy, rather than military actions that destabilize both nations.

Israeli F-15 fighter jet in a photo released on 6/4. *Photo: IDF*

Barrack stated that "sustainable de-escalation agreements can only be achieved through continuous dialogue with all involved nations and parties." He added that the US believes restraint and dialogue are the most constructive path, urging all sides to prioritize reasonable discussion over further military operations.

Earlier, Syrian state television reported that Israel carried out an airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in the country's northwest, targeting the facility's runway. The attack caused infrastructure damage at the base, but no casualties were reported.

An security source informed AFP that the Abu al-Duhur base has been inactive since 2012 and is currently protected by forces from the Syrian Ministry of Defense.

Location of Abu al-Duhur airbase. *Graphic: Al Jazeera*

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) stated that the airstrike occurred "after a Turkish defense delegation visited the Abu al-Duhur base in recent days as part of efforts to restore the facility's operations."

Israel has not yet commented on the reports. The Israeli military has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the collapse of former president Bashar al-Assad's government in 12/2024.

Israeli officials have stated their intention to maintain forces in a security buffer zone in southern Syria, where they seek to establish a broader demilitarized area. Syria has repeatedly criticized this action by Israel. Despite ongoing tensions, Israel and Syria have held multiple rounds of direct negotiations and agreed to establish an intelligence-sharing mechanism.

Nguyen Tien (According to AP, AFP)