Syria has accused Israel of conducting eight air raids [1] against the decommissioned Abu al-Zuhur military airport in northwest Syria.
The strikes occur at a fragile moment for regional security, raising concerns that targeting non-operational infrastructure could trigger wider conflict. The airport in the Idlib governorate has been out of service for more than a decade [1].
A spokesperson for the Syrian Foreign Ministry said Israel carried out the eight raids [2] in recent weeks. While the Syrian government identified the target, the specific dates of the attacks were not provided.
U.S. envoy to Damascus Tom Barrett said the attacks were attributed to Israel. Barrett said the raids constitute an "unnecessary escalation" that hampers stabilization efforts in the region [1].
Analysts suggest the strikes may be a strategic signal. By targeting a site that is no longer operational, Israel may be sending a message to Iranian-backed forces operating within Syria, a common point of contention in the region.
The Abu al-Zuhur facility remains a symbol of the broader Syrian conflict, having shifted control multiple times over the years. The recent activity marks a renewed focus on the Idlib region, where various factions continue to vie for influence.
“Israel carried out eight raids on Abu al-Zuhur military airport”
The targeting of a decommissioned facility suggests that the military value of the site is secondary to the political signal being sent. By striking a dormant airport, Israel likely intends to demonstrate its intelligence capabilities and operational reach to Iranian-backed proxies without engaging in a high-stakes battle with active military units, though the move risks alienating diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to stabilize the region.
