Barrack: Israeli Strike on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur Base Sought to Bait Türkiye

An Israeli airstrike on Syria's Abu al-Duhur military base, located near the Turkish border, may have been an attempt to provoke Ankara, according to US Special Envoy to Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack. He characterized the incident as a "very dangerous game" that risked escalating regional confrontation.

Eight Israeli airstrikes targeted the airbase early Tuesday, hitting the runway and storage facilities, according to Syrian state media. Turkey accused Israel of engaging in "cheap politics" for electoral gain and attempting to portray Turkey as a threat. Barrack drew parallels to the 2014 downing of a Russian jet, which significantly heightened regional tensions.

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the Israelis were baiting the Turks.

Speaking in interviews, Barrack stated that the Israeli jets struck the Syrian base, approximately 80 kilometers east of the Turkish border, without advance warning, seemingly intending to "bait" or provoke Turkey. He emphasized the danger of fighter jets operating near a border without coordination or warning.

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We have some intelligence that there might be Turkish movement into this site, which we would be very concerned about.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had previously described the airstrikes as a warning to Turkey against expanding its military presence in Syria or aiding the Syrian armed forces. However, Damascus had informed Israel that there were no plans to establish a Turkish military base at Abu al-Duhur, which was being rehabilitated for the Syrian Air Force. The Turkish presidency rejected Israel's allegations as "baseless," suggesting they were politically motivated ahead of Israel's October elections.

Barrack confirmed that Israel had raised concerns with the United States about potential Turkish military movements at the base about six days before the strike. Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly held a two-hour conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani days before the strike to convey Israel's concerns. Despite these communications, Israeli forces proceeded to strike the base's runways without prior notification to Turkey.

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a very dangerous game