Report: Israel launches strikes on Syria to hinder potential Turkish military reinforcement.

Sources revealed to Reuters that Israel carried out a series of intense airstrikes on key Syrian military sites, believed to be aimed at preventing Turkey from expanding its military influence in Syria, following reports of defense negotiations between Ankara and the new Syrian government.

According to the sources, the Israeli strikes targeted vital airbases such as Hama airport, and the T-4 and Tadmur bases in Homs, causing significant damage rendering some facilities unusable.

These attacks came just days after reports of Turkish units conducting secret reconnaissance missions on these sites, in preparation for deploying forces under a mutual defense agreement with Damascus.

Clear Israeli Message to Ankara

A regional intelligence official stated that the Israeli strikes sent a clear message to Turkey rejecting any Turkish military presence in Syria, highlighting that a single strike, like the one on the T-4 base on April 2, almost completely destroyed the base's infrastructure, including the runway and control tower.

Israeli strategic researcher Nawa Laziemi expressed Israel's fear of Syrian bases turning into launch points for drones or Turkish air defense systems, potentially limiting Israel's air superiority in the region.

Turkish and Syrian Reactions

Turkey denied any intention to escalate confrontation with Israel, with its Foreign Minister stating that Turkish military presence in Syria aims to "enhance stability." However, other Turkish officials described Israel as a "major threat to regional security," while the Turkish Ministry of Defense denied reports of military preparations in Syria.

The Syrian government condemned the Israeli airstrikes, considering them an attempt to disrupt the restoration of stability after recent political changes, noting civilian and military casualties, as well as the destruction of Hama airport.

Arab and International Condemnations without Concrete Actions

Arab and Islamic condemnations of the Israeli aggression escalated, but were not accompanied by any practical steps to halt the escalation. A Turkish statement accused Israel of "undermining regional stability," calling for a halt to its expansionist policies.

However, the security vacuum in Syria after the fall of the previous regime seems to provide Israel with an opportunity to advance its interests without facing strong international reactions. The recent Israeli strikes highlight a regional power struggle, with Israel seeking to thwart any alliances that could shift the balance of power, especially those involving Turkey and Syria.