Turkish Lawmaker Questions Government on Alleged Israeli Strike After Military Visit to Syrian Base

A Turkish opposition lawmaker has formally questioned the Ministry of National Defense regarding an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Ebu ed-Duhur Military Air Base in Syria. Turhan Çömez, Deputy Chairman of the İYİ Party and a Member of Parliament for Balıkesir, submitted a 44-question proposal demanding answers about the incident.

Çömez highlighted that the alleged airstrikes occurred shortly after a Turkish military delegation reportedly visited the air base on August 18. Reports indicate that the strikes targeted the runway and other facilities. He noted that the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, described the attacks as "confirmed Israeli airstrikes" and a "needless escalation" detrimental to regional stability.

The timing of the alleged Israeli attack, so soon after a Turkish military delegation's visit, raises critical questions for Çömez. He pointed to Arab press reports suggesting the delegation's visit on August 17 and international claims that Turkey has been involved in rehabilitating the previously disused base, with Turkish vehicles and equipment allegedly present on site.

Çömez is seeking explicit confirmation from the Ministry of Defense regarding the Turkish military delegation's visit to Ebu ed-Duhur, its purpose, and whether inspections of the runway, apron, hangars, ammunition depots, radar, and air defense infrastructure took place. He also inquired about Turkey's support for rehabilitating the base and any plans to transform it into a joint Turkish-Syrian military facility or one for Turkish Armed Forces use.

Crucially, Çömez asked if Turkish soldiers were present at the base during or immediately before the attack and whether Israel issued any warning or notification through military or diplomatic channels about targeting Ebu ed-Duhur. He questioned whether the Ministry views the strike, particularly on the runway shortly after the Turkish delegation's visit, as a military or political message directed at Turkey concerning its military presence and plans in Syria.