Israel confirms striking Syrian air base, saying Turkey was planning to deploy forces

On 19 August 2026, Israel confirmed that it struck an air base in northwest Syria, saying the aim was to prevent Turkish troops from deploying there. Israel's prime minister said the strike came after Turkey did not heed a warning against a military buildup in Syria. The Times of Israel reported that a Turkish delegation visited the base hours before the strikes, according to officials.

Barrack said the strike risked a military confrontation with Turkey. Le Monde described the bombing as a warning to Damascus and Ankara.