Israel's Airstrike on Abu Zuhur Airbase in Syria (August 2026)

Abu Zuhur Military Airfield Attack is an air strike carried out by Israeli military aircraft on the abandoned Abu Zuhur Military Airfield located in the eastern countryside of Idlib province in northern Syria on 18 August 2026.^【1】 No casualties or injuries were reported, but material damage occurred at the airfield.^【2】 The attack was condemned by Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Nations, while the United States stated it had “deep concern” over the strike.^【3】

According to local sources, Israeli military aircraft targeted the Abu Zuhur Military Airfield at around 03:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on 18 August. Initial reports indicated that the attack consisted of four air strikes.^【4】 Later, an unnamed Syrian official speaking to state television Al-Ikhbariya stated that Israeli aircraft conducted eight attacks on the airfield, targeting not only the runway but also a structure parked in a hangar.^【5】

This attack is the first against the airfield since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024.^【6】

In a statement, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned Israel’s air strikes on the Abu Zuhur (Al-Zuhur) Military Airfield, describing them as a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a dangerous escalation threatening security and stability in the region.^【7】 The statement emphasized that Israel’s ongoing attacks since 8 December 2024 aim to undermine Syria’s efforts to preserve its neutrality, strengthen stability and prevent escalation. Syria attributed responsibility for the escalation to Israeli occupation and called on the international community and the UN Security Council to clearly condemn the aggression and adopt a firm stance against repeated Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty. Syria affirmed its commitment to defending its rights and national interests through legitimate means guaranteed by international law and norms.^【8】

Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shibani, in a statement to journalists in Damascus, confirmed Syria’s condemnation of Israel’s aggression, stating that the attacks constitute an unjustified provocation, a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional and global stability.^【9】

Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Abu Zuhur Military Airbase. The ministry’s written statement read: “We strongly condemn the air strike carried out by Israel against the Abu Zuhur Military Airbase located in the countryside of Idlib city, Syria, early this morning.”

The statement emphasized that Israel’s relentless attacks targeting Syria’s infrastructure and capabilities constitute a flagrant violation of its territorial integrity and unity, and called on the international community to demonstrate a more determined stance to end Israel’s daily escalating aggression against Syria and to ensure accountability for these actions that disregard international law.^【10】

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran condemned the attack in a post on his social media account. His post stated: “I strongly condemn the air strike carried out by Israel against the Abu Zuhur Military Airbase in the countryside of Idlib city, Syria. These attacks targeting Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and infrastructure are a continuation of irresponsible aggression that threatens regional peace and stability. Under the leadership of our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye will continue to support Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stand firm against any attempt threatening peace and stability in our region.”^【11】

Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Spokesperson Ambassador Fuad al-Majali stated that the attack was unjust and violated Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law and the UN Charter. Al-Majali called for an end to Israel’s repeated attacks targeting Syria’s security and stability, warning that such strikes risk fueling regional conflict and tension. He urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its attacks and end its occupation of parts of Syrian territory. Al-Majali reiterated Jordan’s support for efforts aimed at preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.^【12】

From the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a written statement condemned Israel’s attack on Idlib, stating that the strikes constituted a clear violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international law and UN Charter provisions. The statement noted that Israel’s continued impunity in violating the sovereignty of regional countries demonstrates its approach of imposing its agenda through force and disregarding international legitimacy; the absence of accountability and deterrence encourages Israel to persist in its violations, threatens security and stability, and drags the region into a broader spiral of tension.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in its written statement that Israel’s attack on the Abu Zuhur Military Airfield in Idlib violated Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermined regional security. Kuwait called on the international community to fulfill its duty in halting Israel’s repeated attacks on Syria and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Syria’s territorial integrity, security and stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s attack in the strongest terms, stating that it constituted a clear violation of international law and Syria’s state sovereignty. The statement affirmed that Saudi Arabia “rejects this cowardly attack” and called on the international community to take action to end Israel’s violations of international norms and law.^【13】

U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack expressed “deep concern” in a social media post that the strikes had triggered an unnecessary escalation detrimental to regional stability. Barrack stated: “(Syrian President Ahmed) Shara’s government has not adopted an aggressive posture nor hosted proxy forces. On the contrary, it has repeatedly demonstrated its preference for reducing tensions with Israel.” He emphasized that, as in the past, the United States will continue to host talks to encourage the continuation of diplomatic processes over military action for both countries, and urged all parties to prioritize rational dialogue over new military incidents.^【14】

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, responding to a question during a daily press briefing in New York, confirmed that the UN was aware of Israel’s attacks on the Abu Zuhur Military Airfield and called for their cessation. Dujarric stated: “This is another alarming violation of Syria’s territorial integrity and airspace. These air strikes must stop and we are opposed to them.”^【15】

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) issued a statement on 20 August 2026 regarding Israel’s strike on the Abu Zuhur Military Air Base in the Idlib countryside of Syria. Following a weekly press briefing held aboard the TCG Koçhisar ship in Kocaeli under the TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan initiative, the Ministry responded to questions from journalists.

It was stated that Israel’s attack on the Abu Zuhur Military Air Base was an action aimed at damaging Syria’s stability, security, unity and territorial integrity as well as its infrastructure. The Ministry emphasized that attacks violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and also addressed claims regarding the presence of a Turkish military delegation in the area during the strike.

The Ministry’s statement included the following: "Israel’s strike on the Abu Zuhur Air Base is an action intended to harm Syria’s stability, security, unity and territorial integrity as well as its infrastructure. We consistently emphasize that attacks violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable. We state that no Turkish military delegation was present at the site before or during Israel’s strike on the Abu Zuhur air base in Syria. It is essential that Israel ends such reckless attacks and complies with the requirements of international law for the sake of peace and stability in both Syria and the region. We will continue to support Syria’s efforts to rebuild its own infrastructure and military capacity within the framework of its 'single army' principle."

Following Israel’s attack on the Abu Zuhur Base, telephone conversations conducted by Chief of the General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu were also addressed during the MND’s press briefing. It was noted that Bayraktaroğlu’s successive talks with his counterparts in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman were carried out within the framework of regional security and military diplomacy.

The Ministry’s statement on these talks stated: "Our country has become a central hub for regional security diplomacy. In this context, both our Minister and our Chief of the General Staff conduct consultations with regional partners for regional security and stability. The conversations conducted by our Chief of the General Staff yesterday must be evaluated within this framework."

Following Israel’s attack on the Abu Zuhur Military Air Base, Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hasan Shaybani stated that there had been no plan to establish a permanent Turkish military presence at the facility. Shaybani indicated that the Syrian government had informed Israel of the situation prior to the strike but that the base was still targeted, and he characterized the attack as "unjustified".

Regarding the situation at Abu Zuhur, Shaybani stated: "We had no intention to establish a Turkish base, create a permanent Turkish presence, or station Turkish forces there." Shaybani noted that Israel’s attempt to link the attack to a Turkish military presence did not reflect the actual situation on the ground, adding: "There was no Turkish military buildup at the site sufficient to justify such an action. In fact, the base was largely empty. It had not yet been rehabilitated and was not operational. Therefore, linking the attack to a Turkish military presence at the site is inconsistent with the actual situation at the time."

The Syrian government stated that prior to the attack, it had provided information to Israel regarding the status of the Abu Zuhur Base. It was indicated that the activities carried out at the site were part of Syria’s efforts to rebuild its own military capacity.

Regarding the information provided to Israel, Shaybani stated: "We clearly informed them that the base belongs to Syria and is under Syria’s sovereignty and control, and that there is no permanent Turkish presence there." Thus, the Syrian government rejected Israel’s claims that a permanent Turkish military presence had been established at Abu Zuhur.

Syrian Foreign Minister Shaybani stated that Syria, as a sovereign state, can establish cooperation and alliance relationships with various countries including Türkiye. It was explained that military cooperation with Türkiye is particularly maintained in the areas of training and experience sharing.

Shaybani emphasized that this cooperation is not limited to Türkiye alone, stating: "Syria is currently making efforts to rebuild its military and civilian institutions and enhance their capacities. Therefore, it is benefiting from cooperation and training programs not only with Türkiye but also with a number of other countries. Similar cooperation has been and continues to be conducted with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and Russia."

Türkiye also confirmed that it will continue to support Syria’s efforts to rebuild its military capacity. The MND’s statement specified that this support will continue within the framework of Syria’s "single army" principle, which aims to unify various armed groups under a single military structure.

The Syrian government stated that it maintained contact with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump both before and after the Abu Zuhur attack. It was indicated that these discussions aimed to convey Syria’s position on the attack and its security concerns in order to prevent further escalation of regional tensions.

Shaybani confirmed that after the attack, Syria also engaged in diplomatic contacts with other countries, stating that these initiatives aimed to limit the impact of the attack and prevent similar strikes in the future. Shaybani stated: "We sought to clarify Syria’s position and underscore that respect for Syria’s sovereignty must be upheld, that its territory must not be turned into an arena for calculations or expanded into regional conflict. We wish to reduce tensions because continued military tension in the region benefits no party and does not contribute to the stability needed by Syria and the wider region."

Despite the Abu Zuhur attack, the Syrian government stated that it remains open to political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions with Israel. Shaybani emphasized that reducing tensions is not solely Syria’s responsibility and that Israel must also reassess its policy toward Syria.

Shaybani stated: "However, reducing tension is not the responsibility of one side alone. Israel must also reassess its policy toward Syria and recognize that ongoing military operations and attacks do not ensure long-term security but instead increase instability. In principle, Syria does not close the door to negotiations. On the contrary, we believe that the most sustainable path to stability lies in political and security solutions."

It was also noted that efforts have been made under U.S. mediation to reach a security agreement with Israel. Shaybani acknowledged that progress had been made and that a formula had been agreed upon on paper for a security arrangement, but added: "We achieved good progress and reached an agreed formulation on paper for a security agreement. However, Israel later stepped back from its commitments and the agreed formula was not implemented on the ground."

Shaybani further emphasized that security concerns must be mutually recognized, stating: "Security cannot be unilateral. Just as we take into account Israel’s security concerns, Israel must also take into account Syria’s security concerns. Israel must seriously consider our concerns regarding its expansionist policies and military operations within Syrian territory."

The Syrian government has brought Israel’s attack on the Abu Zuhur Military Air Base to the diplomatic level at the United Nations (UN). According to information released by Syria’s official news agency SANA, the Damascus administration sent two separate letters to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, condemning the attack.

The letters stated that since 8 December 2024, Israel has continued its aerial attacks, territorial violations and interdiction operations against Syrian territory. The Syrian government reported that these actions negatively affect efforts to achieve stability in the region and risk further escalation of tensions.

The letters sent by Syria to the UN called for the immediate cessation of Israel’s attacks on Syria and for Israel’s compliance with the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces. The letters also demanded Israel’s full withdrawal from areas it has advanced into within Syrian territory since 8 December 2024 and its withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights.

Delegations from Syria and Israel met in Jordan on 23 August 2026 under US mediation. The talks were held to reduce tensions following Israel’s strike near the Abu Zuhur Air Base in Syria, to halt Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, and to restart security consultations between the two sides. The discussions also addressed preventing the spillover of tensions between Türkiye and Israel onto Syrian soil.

According to Syria’s official news agency SANA, a high-level Syrian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Asad Shebani attended the meeting. The delegation included the heads of General Intelligence and Military Intelligence. According to diplomatic sources, Shebani held talks with Mossad Director Roman Gofman, who led the Israeli delegation.

The parties assessed the establishment of practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks and other military activities on Syrian territory. In addition, the resumption of negotiations toward a permanent security agreement between the two sides was put on the agenda.

The Syrian side emphasized during the talks that Syria is a sovereign state with the right to rebuild and develop its national army and to define its alliances and partnerships in line with its national interests. The Damascus administration stated it would not accept any arrangements that limit these rights.

A key item on the agenda was the escalation of tensions between Türkiye and Israel via Syrian territory. The parties evaluated efforts to prevent their bilateral disputes from escalating into a broader conflict on Syrian soil.

According to diplomatic sources, during the talks the possibility of establishing a special operations room in Jordan under US supervision, potentially involving Türkiye, was raised to prevent a possible conflict. This mechanism is envisioned to function in areas such as security coordination and border control.

Syria and Israel have previously held various talks under US mediation. Following talks held in Paris in January 2026, the two countries agreed to establish a communication and intelligence-sharing mechanism under US oversight to reduce tensions.

However, the talks were suspended at the end of February following the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran. The August talks in Jordan were significant for reviving diplomatic contact between the parties.

The Syrian administration presented as its top demands that Israel withdraw to its positions prior to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government and fully reinstate the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. The Damascus administration also reiterated its claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which remain under Israeli occupation.

Among the conditions put forward by Israel in the negotiations were halting Turkish military activities in Syria, demilitarizing the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, ensuring the security of the Druze community in Syria, and preventing the Syrian army from acquiring certain strategic weapons systems. It was reported that Israel has tied its withdrawal from areas it controls in Syria to the achievement of diplomatic progress.