Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out four airstrikes on the abandoned Abu al-Duhur military airport in the eastern countryside of Idlib province early Tuesday, marking the latest reported Israeli attack on Syrian territory amid growing concerns over the country’s sovereignty and security.

Local sources said the strikes took place at around 3 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), with reports indicating that the airport’s runway was among the areas targeted. Initial reports said there were no casualties, while the full extent of the material damage remained unclear.

The identity of the aircraft was initially disputed. While several regional reports attributed the attack to Israel, other sources noted that the aircraft had not been officially identified and that Israel had not publicly claimed responsibility.

The attack is particularly significant because Abu al-Duhur had not reportedly been targeted since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The military airport was seized by opposition forces during the final offensive against the former government in November 2024 and subsequently came under the control of forces aligned with Syria’s new authorities.

Syrian authorities had not issued an official statement on the reported strikes at the time of publication, and no Syrian medical authorities had reported casualties.

The latest strikes come against the backdrop of continued Israeli military operations inside Syria. Since the collapse of the Assad government, Israel has repeatedly conducted airstrikes and military incursions, citing security concerns and seeking to prevent military capabilities it considers threatening from emerging in Syria.

In recent months, Israeli forces have also expanded their military presence and activities in southern Syria. In July, Israeli troops advanced toward villages in southwestern Syria and established a checkpoint in the area, prompting concern and condemnation over violations of Syrian sovereignty.

For Syrians, the repeated attacks represent a serious challenge to the country’s territorial integrity at a time when the new authorities are attempting to rebuild state institutions and restore security following years of war.

Abu al-Duhur itself carries considerable military and historical significance. The facility changed hands several times during the Syrian conflict and was heavily damaged during years of fighting, eventually becoming largely inoperable. Opposition forces recaptured the airbase in November 2024 as the former government rapidly lost territory.

The latest attack therefore raises fresh concerns about the ability of Syria’s new authorities to protect the country’s territory and prevent foreign military operations on Syrian soil.

With no official Syrian statement or Israeli claim of responsibility yet issued, further details regarding the targets, damage and circumstances of the attack are expected as authorities continue to assess the incident. (ILKHA)