Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syrian military installations late on 2 April, targeting key sites in Damascus, Hama and Homs. The Syrian Arab Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the attacks as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law. The strikes severely damaged Hama military airport and resulted in injuries to civilians and military personnel. The Syrian government described the escalation as part of a broader Israeli strategy to destabilise Syria and hinder its recovery after more than a decade of war.
The strikes on the T4 airbase, which Turkey has been considering for military use, are seen as a direct response to Turkey’s growing involvement in Syria. Israeli officials have indicated that the aim of the strikes was to limit Turkish influence in Syria and prevent Turkey from establishing military positions in strategic areas.
The airstrikes followed a high-level meeting between CENTCOM General Michael Kurilla and Israeli military officials in Tel Aviv, which reportedly focused on limiting Turkish activities in Syria. According to journalist Meltem Oktay, this meeting preceded the strikes, suggesting that Israel’s military actions were partly aimed at dissuading Turkey from increasing its presence in Syria’s Hama province.
In response, Syrian officials have called on the international community to act against Israel’s aggression, urging the United Nations and other international bodies to intervene and prevent further violations of Syria’s sovereignty. The Syrian government has argued that Israel’s actions are aimed at reigniting violence and obstructing the country’s efforts to recover and rebuild from years of conflict.
Turkey, which has maintained a strong military presence in northern Syria, has also been drawn into this complex regional dynamic. While there hasn’t been an official statement from the Turkish authorities condemning Israel’s actions, the strikes on the T4 airbase – a site of strategic interest to Turkey – have raised concerns. Turkey has been working to establish a military presence at the base, with plans to deploy air defence systems and drones to increase its regional influence. Israeli officials have expressed concern that such a Turkish presence in Syria could pose a security threat.
The tensions between Israel, Syria and Turkey are likely to remain a focal point in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, increasing the risk of further confrontation.
