Syria and several Arab nations have condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Idlib province on Tuesday, calling the action a violation of international law and sovereignty. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the strikes were part of Israel’s “reckless attacks on Syria’s infrastructure and capabilities” and urged the international community to adopt a firmer stance, according to Anadolu Agency. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt also joined in the condemnation, with Kuwait warning that such actions could undermine regional security and stability.

Regional Condemnation and Calls for Action

Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) all issued statements deploring the Israeli strikes. Saudi Arabia described the attack as a “blatant violation of international law and Syria’s sovereignty,” reaffirming its solidarity with Syria and support for measures to preserve its security and unity. Egypt echoed this sentiment, warning that Israel’s continued violations could threaten regional peace and undermine efforts to stabilize Syria.

Kuwait described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and called on the international community and the UN Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities by stopping repeated Israeli attacks and ensuring respect for the UN Charter. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that the strikes disregarded international law and Syria’s territorial integrity, calling for accountability and stronger international action to halt the attacks.

U.S. Response and Strategic Context

The United States expressed concern over the Israeli airstrikes, with the White House calling it an “unnecessary escalation of tensions.” According to Axios, Israel had provided advance notice of the strikes to the U.S., stating the aim was to prevent a buildup of Turkish military power at the airbase. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office claimed that Syria had “sought to violate the agreed status quo on security matters” by allowing Turkish forces to deploy at the site.

The Abu al-Duhur airfield has been out of operation since 2012, and Syrian Ministry of National Defense personnel are currently stationed there. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Turkey, a key backer of the Syrian government, is currently rebuilding the base, with a Turkish delegation visiting the site recently for that purpose.

International Law and Diplomatic Implications

Syria’s government, through state media, emphasized that the strikes represented a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the UN Security Council to take decisive measures to protect its national interests. The attack has sparked renewed diplomatic tensions and raised questions about adherence to international norms; the Turkish Foreign Ministry called for the international community to take “firm action” to stop the repeated Israeli strikes.

Regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have consistently reaffirmed their support for Syria’s sovereignty and called for international efforts to preserve its security and stability. The U.S. response, while not explicitly condemning the strike, highlighted concerns over escalating tensions and the potential for further destabilization in the region.