U.S. Envoy clarifies no Turkish assets were at Syrian airport strike site

U.S. Envoy to Turkey Tom Barrack has addressed the recent Israeli airstrike on Abu al-Duhur airport in Syria, stating that intelligence suggesting the presence of Turkish military assets at the site was incorrect. Barrack noted that while Israel may have acted on intelligence regarding potential Turkish military training activities, investigations have confirmed that no Turkish soldiers or assets were present at the location.

Barrack suggested several possible motivations for the strike, including a potential intelligence error or an attempt by Israel to test Turkey’s reaction, which could have led to a direct confrontation between the two nations. He warned that the unintended consequences of such actions could be significant and urged for dialogue to resolve tensions.

In response, the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate rejected claims made by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, characterizing them as attempts to justify illegal strikes against Syrian sovereignty. Turkey emphasized its commitment to a stable and sovereign Syria and criticized expansionist policies in the region.