The Abu al-Duhur Military Air Base in Syria's Idlib countryside has long been one of the country's most strategically important military installations. After suffering extensive destruction during years of conflict, the facility has recently become the focus of renewed attention as Syria's new authorities seek to restore its operational capacity. Those efforts were interrupted by airstrikes carried out by the Israeli regime.

Located east of Saraqib near the town of Abu al-Duhur, the air base lies at the junction of the Aleppo, Idlib and Hama provinces, around 70 kilometers from the Turkish border. Covering approximately 16 square kilometers, the installation includes 24 reinforced aircraft shelters and a 2,990-meter runway capable of accommodating combat aircraft.

A key battleground during the Syrian conflict

During the rule of Bashar al-Assad, the base hosted squadrons of MiG-21 and Su-25 military aircraft and played a major role in Syrian Air Force operations.

As Syria's civil war intensified, opposition forces surrounded the base for nearly three years. During the siege, government forces relied on helicopters to deliver supplies to troops stationed inside the facility.

On Sept. 9, 2015, opposition factions captured the air base after a major offensive. Reports at the time said more than 20 military aircraft, 15 helicopters, large quantities of weapons and ammunition were found inside, while many government troops fled the area.

Government forces, backed by Russian military support and allied units, recaptured the base on Jan. 21, 2018, during an offensive in southeastern Idlib. Although the operation restored government control, years of fighting left the airfield and its infrastructure heavily damaged, preventing its return to full operational use.

Renewed military importance after political transition

Following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, Syria's new administration announced plans to rehabilitate the long-abandoned military installation as part of broader efforts to rebuild the country's armed forces.

The restoration project attracted regional attention because of the air base's strategic location and its potential role in northern Syria's future security architecture.

Israeli regime airstrikes

On Aug. 17, fighter jets of the Israeli regime carried out four airstrikes targeting Abu al-Duhur Military Air Base.

According to Syrian authorities, the strikes hit the runway and aircraft shelters, causing material damage but no reported casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the operation was intended to prevent the deployment of Turkish military personnel at the facility, arguing that such a presence would pose a security threat to Israel.

However, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani denied that Syria had any plans to establish a Turkish military base at Abu al-Duhur. He said Turkish military personnel who had recently visited the site were participating in cooperation focused on military training and the exchange of expertise, adding that the air base had not yet become fully operational.

Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran condemned Netanyahu's remarks, describing them as threats directed against both Türkiye and Syria.

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack described the Israeli regime's strike as "unjustifiable," saying it did not contribute to regional stability.

Why the air base matters

Beyond its military infrastructure, Abu al-Duhur's strategic significance stems from its location between Aleppo, Idlib and Hama, providing access to key transportation corridors and military routes across northern Syria.

Its proximity to the Turkish border also makes the installation important in regional security calculations.

The Israeli regime's public broadcaster KAN reported before the strikes that Syria's new authorities had accelerated efforts to rebuild the country's air force, including pilot training programs, helicopter exercises and flights involving Sukhoi fighter aircraft.

The recent strikes marked the first known attack by the Israeli regime on Abu al-Duhur Air Base since the fall of the Assad government, underscoring the growing strategic importance of the facility as Syria attempts to rebuild its military capabilities amid continuing regional tensions.(ILKHA)