In response to a recent Israeli strike on an abandoned airbase near its border, Türkiye has renewed its call for Israel to cease military operations in Syria and adhere strictly to international law.
“For the peace and stability of both Syria and the region, it is essential that Israel cease these reckless attacks and comply with the requirements of international law,” Defense Ministry officials were quoted as saying by local media during a press briefing on Aug. 20.
The reaction followed an unprecedented aerial attack by Israel to Syria’s Abu Duhur airbase in Idlib province of Syria on Aug. 18, which aimed to destroy the already abandoned military facility’s infrastructure.
Israel has targeted Syria many times after the collapse of the Assad rule, especially in the southern provinces of the country on the pretext of the protection of Durzi communities. The latest one is an attack carried out in the northernmost part of Syria.
The ministry sources described the attack as an attempt to destroy Syria’s stability, security and infrastructure and to disrupt the country’s unity.
“We emphasize at every opportunity that attacks violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable,” the sources stressed.
Türkiye’s support to continue
They also indirectly responded to the claims by Israel over Türkiye’s plans to upgrade the military facility and deploy troops there.
“We state that there was no Turkish military delegation at the Abu Duhur airbase in Syria before or during Israel’s attack on the base,” the sources underlined.
In a separate statement, the Communication Directorate denied claims voiced by the Israeli government that Türkiye was planning to deploy troops to this base and turn this into an upgraded military facility.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani also denied the allegations, saying there were no plans for a Turkish base or permanent military presence at the facility. He acknowledged that Turkish officers had visited the site but said the trip formed part of cooperation on training and military reconstruction.
The Turkish sources have also underscored that Türkiye will continue to contribute to Syria’s efforts to develop infrastructure and military capacity under the “one army principle.”
Türkiye and Syria signed a military cooperation agreement in late 2025 that stipulates the former’s support to the creation of a military structure with the integration of all armed groups in the country, including YPG.
Some Syrian officers have also begun receiving training in relevant Turkish military academies and other institutions.
Israel targets regional stability
In the meantime, Defense Ministry spokesman Zeki Aktürk criticized Israel for targeting the stability and security of Lebanon and Syria through constant violations of international law while blocking the implementation of the Gaza peace plan.
“Israel’s rejection of the Gaza plan and its continued attacks in the region are undermining efforts to establish a just and lasting peace and further deepening regional instability,” Aktürk said.
“On the other hand, despite the signed framework agreement, Israel continues its attacks and military activities in southern Lebanon; and with its recent attacks on Syria, it targets the territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity of that country,” he underlined.
The international community must never accept and normalize Israeli attacks on its neighbors, the spokesman stressed, saying, “The future of the region must be built not on the unilateral use of force, but on a security understanding based on respect for international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.”
He also reiterated Ankara’s calls on the international community to take more tangible measures to stop Israeli actions that undermine regional stability and peace.
