US condemns 'unnecessary escalation' after Israeli airstrikes on Syrian airbase
The United States has criticized Israel for conducting airstrikes on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border, labeling the action an 'unnecessary escalation.' While Israel claims the base was being used to breach a security status quo, regional powers and the US have expressed concern over the impact on stability.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the fragile geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving Syria, Turkey, Israel, and the United States.
Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images Image caption, Abu Duhur military base captured by anti-Assad forces in December 2024
The United States has issued a rare rebuke of Israel after reports emerged it struck a Syrian military airbase near the Turkish border, calling the attack an "unnecessary escalation".
Eight airstrikes hit the Abu Duhur airport runway and storage facility on Tuesday, according to Syrian state TV, although there were no reports of injuries.
Israel, while not commenting on the strikes directly, said 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 that they said threaten to escalate tensions in the region.
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