Israeli airstrikes in Syria signal warning to Türkiye over alleged base plans: JPost

Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria, targeting military infrastructure in Hama province and the Barzeh neighborhood of Damascus, according to a statement from the Israeli army on Wednesday.

The strikes reportedly hit remnants of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military assets, including the scientific research center in Damascus.

According to the Israeli source, the message conveyed was clear: “Türkiye should not establish a military base in Syria or interfere with Israeli operations in the country’s airspace.”

However, Türkiye denied the current rumors about such a base being established, with Turkish Ministry of Defense sources stating, “Unauthentic and purposeful news and posts other than the statements made by the official authorities regarding the developments in Syria or alleged developments in Syria should not be trusted.”

Israeli message to Türkiye: ‘No military bases in Syria’

An Israeli official reportedly told the Israeli media outlet The Jerusalem Post that the recent strikes were intended as a direct message to Türkiye: “Do not establish a military base in Syria and do not interfere with Israeli activity in the country’s skies.”

According to Israeli media, the primary concern is Türkiye’s reported interest in taking control of the T4 airbase near Palmyra. The facility allegedly could be used to deploy drones or air defense systems, which Israel views as a threat to its air operations.

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Türkiye’s plans to use T4 raised concerns in Tel Aviv about potential limitations on the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of movement over Syria.

Multiple Israeli strikes across Syria

In addition to Daraa, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in the provinces of Hama, Homs, and the capital Damascus. Syrian authorities stated that:

• Over 14 airstrikes targeted Hama Military Airport and surrounding areas.
• Strikes hit T4 Military Airbase in Homs province.
• Additional air raids targeted military facilities in Damascus.
• Ground attacks with mortars and artillery were launched into western Daraa, hitting Tel Jumu and Tel Jabiyah.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms” and called on the United Nations to take urgent action to prevent further violations by Israel.

A statement from Syria’s Foreign Ministry said the Israeli strikes caused widespread destruction at the Hama military airport, severely damaging infrastructure and injuring dozens of both civilian and military personnel.

Israeli concerns and recent airstrikes

Another Israeli security official has recently claimed that the establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria could pose a “potential threat” to Israel. The statement came amid rising tensions over Türkiye’s involvement in the region.

According to The Jerusalem Post, once again, the Israeli official spoke to Israeli media about Ankara’s growing activities in Syria.

“If a Turkish air base is established, it would harm Israel’s freedom of action in Syria,” the official said. “This is a potential threat that we oppose.”

Turkish Defense Ministry denies allegations of military base plans in Syria

After the weekly press briefing on Feb. 6, 2025, the Ministry of National Defense answered several important questions, including claims about establishing new Turkish military bases in Syria, stating there are no plans for such a move.

The ministry strongly denied rumors circulating about Türkiye’s intention to build two new military bases in Syria, saying: “It is premature to discuss such plans. Ankara’s focus remains on supporting Syria’s sovereignty and working toward regional stability.”

In a March 25 weekly press briefing, the Defense Ministry answered questions regarding the situation in Syria and said, “In line with the demands of the new Syrian government and in agreement with the relevant states, a consensus has been reached on the establishment of a joint operations center. Work is ongoing within the scope of this development. Türkiye attaches great importance to the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity, the new Syrian government’s establishment of state authority in all of Syria, and the establishment of stability and security in Syria.”

“In this context, in line with the demands of the new Syrian government, Türkiye continues to evaluate the establishment of bases for training purposes in order to increase the capacity of the Syrian army. All our activities in Syria are coordinated in advance with the relevant parties and all necessary security measures are taken,” it added.

Also, according to Turkish columnist Ozay Sendir, the report that Türkiye is planning to establish an air base in Syria and deploy around 50 fighter jets there is completely false and nothing more than disinformation efforts being conducted by some media outlets.