Türkiye denies military presence at Syria airbase during Israeli attack

Türkiye's National Defense Ministry on Thursday formally denied the presence of any Turkish military delegation at Syria's Abu al-Duhur Airbase before or during a recent Israeli strike, issuing the clarification from aboard a naval vessel during a defense exhibition in Kocaeli.

Clarification from TCG Kochisar

Speaking to reporters aboard the TCG Kochisar during the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland event, ministry officials addressed claims regarding Turkish personnel at the Syrian military installation. "We confirm that no Turkish military delegation was present at Syria's Abu al-Duhur Airbase before or during the Israeli attack," the ministry said in a statement. The weekly press briefing took place on the vessel in the northwestern province of Kocaeli.

Condemnation of Israeli strike

The ministry characterized the assault as a destabilizing act targeting Syrian infrastructure. It described the Israeli attack on the military airbase as "an act aimed at harming Syria's stability, security, unity and integrity, as well as its infrastructure." Officials noted that such strikes undermine Damascus's sovereignty and threaten broader regional security.

"We emphasize at every opportunity that attacks violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable," the ministry said. It added that Israel must cease such operations to ensure regional stability. "For the peace and stability of both Syria and the region, it is essential that Israel end such reckless attacks and fulfill its obligations under international law," the statement added.

Support for Syrian military integration

Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Syria's military capabilities following the recent political transition in Damascus. Türkiye will continue to support Syria's efforts to build its infrastructure and military capacity under the "one army" principle, the ministry said. The pledge comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Syrian territory since the fall of the Assad regime.