Syria Condemns Israeli Strikes as “Unjustified Escalation” Amid Rising Tensions Over Turkey’s Role
Syria has strongly denounced a series of Israeli airstrikes that struck multiple military sites overnight, calling the attacks a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and international law. The strikes reportedly destroyed the Hama airbase and damaged other strategic military assets, leaving dozens injured and four defense ministry personnel dead.
The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted “remaining military capabilities” at the Hama and T4 airbases, as well as infrastructure in Damascus. Ground forces also launched an operation in Deraa province, resulting in the deaths of nine gunmen, according to Syrian authorities.
These airstrikes come against the backdrop of increasing Israeli concerns about Turkey’s military cooperation with Syria’s transitional government. Reports have emerged of Turkish forces deploying jets and air defense systems to Syrian airbases, which Israel sees as a serious threat to its national security.
A Strategic Message from Tel Aviv
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz did not mince words. He warned Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa that allowing “hostile forces” into the country would come at a “very heavy price.” Katz described the strikes as a “clear message” to anyone attempting to challenge Israeli security interests.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar added fuel to the fire, accusing Turkey of trying to make Syria its “protectorate.” He criticized Ankara’s deepening involvement in the region, claiming it undermines both stability and Israeli sovereignty.
Syrian Government’s Outrage
The Syrian foreign ministry accused Israel of attempting to destabilize the country at a critical time, labeling the strikes as “unjustified escalation.” A statement said five locations were hit within 30 minutes, with infrastructure “almost completely destroyed” at Hama Military Airport.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported 18 separate strikes targeting hangars, air traffic systems, and storage facilities. Additional damage was inflicted on the T4 airbase near Palmyra and the SSRC facility in Damascus.
The foreign ministry called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and to stop what it sees as repeated acts of aggression.
Ground Conflict and the Golan Heights
On the ground, Israeli forces entered parts of the UN-monitored demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights, further raising alarm. The military reportedly shelled the al-Jabaliya Dam area in Deraa, killing nine militants who attempted to resist the incursion.
Witnesses and activists described mosque loudspeakers calling for jihad in response to the Israeli operations. The Israeli military later confirmed that its forces were targeted by gunfire and responded with both ground and aerial strikes.
Israel has demanded that Deraa, Quneitra, and Suweida provinces be completely demilitarized, stating it will not tolerate military threats near its borders. It has also vowed to maintain a long-term presence in strategic zones to secure its interests.
A Brewing Regional Powder Keg
The latest developments underscore a growing risk of regional confrontation, as foreign powers—including Israel, Turkey, and Iran—vie for influence in post-Assad Syria. Israel has made it clear it will not accept any military buildup near its territory, especially one facilitated by Turkey.
As military operations intensify and diplomacy falters, Syria appears once again on the brink of becoming a battleground for external rivalries—with its people bearing the brunt of the consequences.
