Turkish MOD Clarifies Absence of Personnel at Syrian Airbase Following Israeli Strike

Ankara, Turkey – The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has issued an official statement, confirming that no Turkish military delegation or personnel were present at the Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria during a recent Israeli airstrike. The declaration comes amid heightened regional tensions following the August 18 attack.

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the Ministry of National Defense’s Press and Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson, provided details during a weekly press briefing. Aktürk underscored that the Israeli assault on the airbase in northwestern Syria constituted an action aimed at destabilizing Syria’s security, compromising its unity and territorial integrity, and damaging its critical infrastructure. “We consistently reiterate that attacks violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable,” Aktürk stated. He further emphasized the imperative for Israel to cease such “reckless military actions” and adhere to international law to foster peace and stability across the region.

The Ministry also reaffirmed Turkey’s ongoing commitment to support Syria in strengthening its infrastructure and building its military capabilities, in line with the “single army” principle.

Corroborating Ankara’s position, Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Şeybani stated after the incident that there were no plans for establishing a permanent Turkish military base or deploying Turkish forces at Abu al-Duhur Airbase. Şeybani clarified that no significant Turkish military buildup existed at the facility to support Israeli allegations. He added that the base was largely inactive, not fully reconstructed or operational at the time, thus refuting any claims linking the strike to a Turkish military presence on the ground.

Earlier, Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Representative for Syria and Ambassador to Ankara, had indicated that Turkey was not pre-notified of the airstrike. Barrack noted that Turkish forces detected Israeli aircraft advancing northward towards Turkish territory and may have been prepared to engage. However, direct military confrontation between Turkey and Israel was averted. He also revealed that the United States is actively working to establish a conflict prevention mechanism encompassing Turkey, Syria, and Israel.

The Israeli military executed eight airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur Airbase on the morning of August 18. Located approximately 70 kilometers east of the Turkish border, the attack specifically targeted the base’s runway and storage facilities. The facility, which serves as a training center for the Syrian army, was struck as Syria continues efforts to rebuild and modernize its air force capabilities.

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