19.08.2026 15:33
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Representative for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, said that Israel's attack on the Abu Zuhur Military Airbase, located east of Syria's northern Idlib province, carries the risk of a direct military conflict between Turkey and Israel.
Barrack, speaking to Israel's The Jerusalem Post newspaper, made assessments regarding Israel's attack yesterday on the Abu Zuhur Military Airport in Syria.
Barrack, emphasizing that the attack carries the risk of military conflict between Turkey-Syria and Israel, said, "The events of yesterday were serious and concerning. However, the fact that there were no casualties and the situation did not escalate reassured us."
Barrack, stating that "secret talks" are ongoing regarding the reactivation of the Israel-Syria conflict prevention unit, said, "Turkey could be invited to this process, directly or indirectly."
Barrack, pointing out the importance of communication, said it would be beneficial to establish a cooperation unit where personnel fluent in Turkish, Arabic, English, and Hebrew work 24 hours a day.
"SYRIAN RADARS DO NOT POSE A THREAT TO ISRAEL"
The Ambassador, noting that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has no aggressive intentions towards Israel and aims only to protect his own sovereignty, said that, in the context of the radars installed at Damascus Airport, contrary to what the Tel Aviv administration claims, in the US view, civilian infrastructure does not pose a security threat to Israel.
Barrack stated, "Syria's ability to maintain a safe and reliable domestic aviation system depends on functional civilian radar coverage. We continue to believe that this technical requirement does not constitute a security issue and that further discussions could help clarify the matter to everyone's satisfaction."
Barrack, expressing that the US wants to help reduce tensions between Turkey and Israel and prevent an escalation that would be difficult to reverse, said, "President (Donald) Trump's plan offers a viable path that can achieve success if the necessary space and support are provided."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Israeli warplanes attacked the abandoned Abu Zuhur Military Airport, located east of Idlib province in northern Syria, yesterday.
No information was shared about whether there were any deaths or injuries in the attack.
A Syrian official stated that Israeli warplanes carried out 8 attacks on the Abu Zuhur Military Airport, noting that the runway, as well as a structure in the hangar that was in a state of disuse, were targeted in the attacks.