
Syria rebuts Turkish-base claims after Israeli strike on Abu al-Duhur airbase
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani told Axios that Damascus did not plan to host a Turkish base at Abu al-Duhur and that Israel’s strike—damaging refurbished runways—was unjustified; Turkish officers had visited for training, but there was no Turkish buildup. Israel said the attack aimed to prevent such a buildup, while Syria insists the base was largely empty and not fully operational. The interview also notes US-mediated security talks with Israel, Syria’s push for de-escalation and sovereignty, and that Trump was briefed but did not publicly criticize the strike.













