Syria Condemns Latest Israeli Strikes as Tensions Simmer Over Turkey’s Potential Role

Syria has reacted strongly, condemning a fresh series of Israeli airstrikes overnight on several airbases and military locations as an “unjustified escalation” of aggression.

The Syrian foreign ministry reported that the attacks caused significant damage to Hama airbase and left dozens injured. A monitoring group on the ground indicated that four personnel from the Syrian defense ministry were killed in the strikes.

The Israeli military confirmed conducting the strikes, stating they targeted “capabilities that remained” at the Hama and T4 airbases in western and central Syria, respectively, as well as military infrastructure in the Damascus area. Additionally, Israel reported killing gunmen during a ground operation in Deraa province, where local authorities reported a death toll of nine.

These developments come amidst increasing reports suggesting that Turkey is considering stationing fighter jets and air defense systems at Syrian airbases, a move that is likely to further heighten regional tensions.

Just yesterday, Thursday in the Middle East, Israel’s defense minister issued a stern warning to Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating that Syria would “pay a very heavy price” if it allowed “forces hostile to Israel” to establish a presence within its borders.