Exclusive: Footage shows Israeli airstrikes hit 35km from NATO member Türkiye’s border

Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes in northern Syria on Saturday Nov. 9, targeting alleged military sites in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, near the border with NATO member Türkiye, and near proximity of Turkish military outposts.

The strikes, reported by Syria’s official SANA news agency, hit areas near the Turkish border controlled by Iranian militias and Syrian regime troops, raising regional concerns.

There is also information that these areas have highly fluid borders as they are on the Syrian opposition and regime frontlines.

Proximity to NATO member Türkiye raises regional tensions

The airstrikes were conducted just miles away from Türkiye’s southern border, hitting facilities in Idlib and Aleppo, including the outskirts of al-Safira.

This region is of strategic importance due to its proximity to Turkish territory and the presence of opposition forces including Turkish Armed Forces military outposts.

The strikes are also on the M5 highway, making it of great importance who controls this area, which has been the site of intense fighting for years.

The attacks have reportedly been the first time Israel has conducted airstrikes this close to NATO member Türkiye. The affected areas are known to host facilities used by Iranian-backed groups.

Details of the Israeli attack

The attacks began at approximately 12:45 a.m. local time on November 9, targeting alleged military installations southeast of Aleppo and rural Idlib.

An Syrian military source reported injuries among Syrian soldiers and significant material damage.

The strikes specifically targeted the area around the al-Safira district, which houses Iranian-backed groups.

Israeli authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the airstrikes. Turkish and Russian air defense systems are also known to be present in the region.

The closest point to the Turkish border is only 36,1 kilometers from the Cilvegozu border crossing, one of NATO member Türkiye’s most important border crossings with Syria.