US Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Syrian Airbase as Escalation
By Editor • August 18, 2026 • 1 min read
The United States has voiced strong criticism of Israel following airstrikes on the Abu Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria. On Tuesday, US envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, characterized the strikes as an "unnecessary escalation" that threatens regional stability.
According to Syrian state media, eight strikes targeted the runway of the disused airbase, which has been inactive since 2012. Although the attack inflicted damage on the airport's infrastructure, there were no reported casualties. A military source cited by AFP confirmed the strikes, stating that unidentified aircraft conducted the operation early Tuesday morning.
In a post on X, Barrack expressed concern over the airstrikes, advocating for all parties to engage in "logical discourse" rather than further military confrontations. His comments reflect a broader apprehension within the US regarding escalating tensions in the region.
Additional unrest in Syria was reported as three individuals died from an explosion at a thermal power plant in Banias, though the cause of the blast remains under investigation. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions continue to simmer, with developments in the Strait of Hormuz where Iran's top negotiator stated the waterway will remain closed until the US meets its conditions regarding sanctions and the release of frozen assets.
Source: www.france24.com
