18.08.2026 23:30
The US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that they are working on a new communication mechanism to prevent potential military tensions between Israel, Turkey, and Syria. Barrack stated that Turkey was not informed before Israel's attack on the air base in Syria, adding, 'Cooler heads were able to prevent the situation from escalating further.'
Following Israel's attack on the Abu al-Duhur Air Base in Syria, near the Turkish border, tensions have risen in the region, and a notable statement has come from the US.
US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack said they are working to establish a "deconfliction" mechanism to prevent misunderstandings and a potential conflict between Israel, Turkey, and Syria.
"TURKEY WAS NOT WARNED ABOUT THE ATTACK"
Barrack, speaking to Reuters, stated that Turkey was not informed before Israel's attack. Barrack noted that Turkey, having observed the Israeli aircraft heading north toward Turkish airspace, was in a position to prepare its own defensive response.
Barrack said, "Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed to prevent the situation from worsening," adding that the incident was prevented from escalating into a more serious Turkey-Israel confrontation.
US STEPPED IN
Barrack highlighted the importance of establishing direct communication channels between Israel, Turkey, and Syria to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The US envoy stated, "This underscores the need for a deconfliction mechanism involving Israel, Syria, and Turkey. It is something we are actively working on to prevent future miscommunication."
Barrack also noted that the priority is to de-escalate tensions and enable the parties to act more measuredly.
ISRAEL STRUCK AIR BASE IN SYRIA
It was reported that Israel's attack on the Abu al-Duhur Air Base in northwestern Syria targeted runways and storage facilities. Syrian state television announced that eight airstrikes were carried out in the attack. According to initial assessments, there were no casualties in the attack. The Israeli military did not comment on the attack.
Turkey condemned Israel's attack, stating that it violates Syria's sovereignty and threatens regional stability.
ISRAEL CLOSELY WATCHES TURKEY-SYRIA RAPPROCHEMENT
It is noted that the air base, located approximately 70 kilometers away, is also significant for Israel due to assessments that Turkey could increase its military presence in Syria.
Ankara is one of the key supporters of the new administration in Syria. Turkey provides support for the training of the Syrian army and the reconstruction of the country's military and institutional capacity. This situation has made the differences of opinion between Turkey and Israel over developments in Syria more visible.
"MUCH CHEAPER THAN MILITARY FORCE"
Barrack said the US facilitates information sharing and dialogue between the parties, emphasizing that the existing mechanism needs to be strengthened.
The US envoy described military-based interventions as "kinetic means of communication" while stressing that investing in communication channels between the parties is much lower in cost.
Barrack's statements revealed that Washington is trying to establish a new conflict prevention mechanism along the Israel-Turkey-Syria line at a time when Israel's operations in Syria increase the risk of a direct confrontation with Turkey.