18.08.2026 15:51
US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria-Iraq Tom Barrack expressed deep concern, describing Israel's airstrikes on the Abu Zuhur Air Base in Syria as an 'unnecessary escalation.' Barrack noted that the al-Sharaa government has not adopted an aggressive stance and has no proxy forces, urging all parties to engage in dialogue and restraint.
The US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, said, "We are deeply concerned that Israel's airstrikes on the Abu Zuhur Air Base in Syria constitute an unnecessary escalation," adding, "The al-Sharaa government has neither adopted an aggressive stance nor has proxy forces. On the contrary, it has repeatedly stated its preference for de-escalation with Israel."
BARRACK'S STRONG REACTION TO ISRAEL
The US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, made a statement regarding Israel's attack on the Abu Zuhur Air Base, located east of Idlib province in northern Syria. Barrack noted the following in his post on his X account:
"We are deeply concerned that Israel's confirmed airstrikes on the Abu Zuhur Air Base constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability. The al-Sharaa government has neither adopted an aggressive stance nor has proxy forces. On the contrary, it has repeatedly stated its preference for de-escalation with Israel.
"WE ENCOURAGE SOUND DISCOURSE RATHER THAN MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS"
The US, as in the past, will continue to host talks in the future to encourage a diplomatic approach rather than kinetic conflicts for both countries. Durable de-escalation agreements are built through ongoing dialogues with all relevant countries and parties. The US continues to believe that restraint and engagement are a more constructive path. We encourage the parties to prioritize sound discourse and dialogue rather than further military developments."