Israel’s Airbase Attack on Syria: A Warning to Damascus and Ankara
In a bold act of aggression that echoes the imperialist arrogance of old colonial powers, Israel has struck an airbase in northwest Syria, sending a clear message not only to Damascus but also to its ally, Turkiye. The attack on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib, which took place on Tuesday, has been attributed to Israel by Syria, the United States, and Jordan, even though Tel Aviv has not officially claimed responsibility.
This latest violation of Syrian sovereignty is a stark reminder that the so-called international community, led by the West, continues to undermine the independence of nations that refuse to bow to their will. As Zimbabweans who fought and won our own Chimurenga, we understand the importance of standing firm against such bullying tactics.
Israel’s Message to Damascus: No Air Force for a Free Syria
The air strikes are seen as a deliberate attempt to cripple Syria’s ability to rebuild its military capabilities, particularly its air force. Kheder Khaddour, a nonresident scholar at the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, told Al Jazeera, “Bombing an airbase means the Israeli army doesn't want the new Syria to have any sort of air force in the coming years.”
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, Israel has launched a series of attacks on Syrian military installations, effectively dismantling the new government’s air defence systems. In the hours following Assad’s ouster, Israel also seized territory in the Syrian Golan Heights and illegally occupied the strategic Jabal al-Sheikh point, setting up checkpoints where Syrian citizens have been harassed and even kidnapped.
In March 2025, Israel struck the T4 and Palmyra airbases, which had reportedly been visited by Turkish military delegations. Then, in July of the same year, it bombed Syria’s Ministry of Defence in the heart of Damascus. These repeated aggressions are a clear violation of international law and a blatant disregard for Syria’s sovereignty.
Despite Syria’s new government making it clear that it does not seek confrontation with Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration continues to view Damascus as a threat. Asli Aydintasbas, an associate senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted, “Syria has not been a threat to Israel, and there have been months of negotiations on a security deal between the two neighbours. Since the downfall of the al-Assad regime, Syrians have made it very clear that they are interested in peaceful relations with Israel, and that should matter.”
Tuesday’s attack caused no reported injuries, with only airstrips and storage facilities damaged, according to Nanar Hawach, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. However, the message is unmistakable: Israel does not want Syria to rebuild its air force. Samy Akil, a senior adviser with The Syria Report, told Al Jazeera, “The Israelis are not happy about the Syrians having a functioning air force,” even though the remaining jets in Syria’s arsenal pose little threat to Israel.
Turkiye’s Role: A Target of Israeli Aggression
Analysts also interpret the strike as a warning to Turkiye, which has supported various anti-Assad rebel groups and maintains a military presence in northern Syria. The Abu al-Duhur airbase is close to Idlib, well within the Turkish sphere of influence, making it a strategic target.
Israel has long opposed Turkish influence in Syria. Netanyahu has reportedly held security consultations over Ankara’s role, and Naftali Bennett, a candidate to replace Netanyahu in October’s elections, has called Turkiye “the new Iran.” Navvar Saban, a researcher at the Arab Center for Contemporary Syrian Studies, compared the attack to the March 2025 strikes on airbases that Turkish military teams had visited, although neither Syrian nor Turkish officials confirmed those reports.
Saban explained, “The strike was probably less about destroying an immediate Syrian military threat and more about preventing the creation of a future military capability. Israel appeared to be drawing a red line around possible reconstruction of Syrian military infrastructure, particularly where Turkish assistance could improve Syrian air capability or restrict the Israeli freedom of operation over Syria’s airspace.”
What Does This Mean for the Region and the World?
This attack is not just about Syria or Turkiye; it is a symptom of a broader imperialist agenda that seeks to keep nations weak and dependent. As Zimbabweans, we know all too well the consequences of allowing foreign powers to dictate our destiny. The sanctions imposed on our nation by the West are another face of the same oppressive system that Israel represents in the Middle East.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Syria and Turkiye in the face of such aggression. The struggle for true independence is a global one, and we must support each other against the forces of neocolonialism and imperialism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Israel attack the Abu al-Duhur airbase?
Israel’s attack on the Abu al-Duhur airbase is seen as a message to both Syria and Turkiye, aiming to prevent Syria from rebuilding its air force and to curb Turkish influence in the region.
What has been Syria’s response to the attack?
Syria, along with the United States and Jordan, has blamed Israel for the attack, but Israel has not officially claimed responsibility. There were no reported injuries, and only airstrips and storage facilities were damaged.
How does this affect Turkiye’s role in Syria?
The attack is likely a warning to Turkiye, which has a military presence in northern Syria and has supported rebel groups. Israel is concerned about Turkish assistance improving Syrian air capabilities.
What does this mean for the region’s stability?
This attack further destabilizes the region, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbours. It underscores the need for nations to unite against imperialist aggression and defend their sovereignty.