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Airstrikes target Syrian military base after Turkish delegation visit

Unknown aircraft have struck Abu Duhur military airfield in northwestern Syria, days after a Turkish military delegation toured the facility as part of efforts to restore operations. The timing of the strikes has raised questions about efforts to reactivate the strategic base.

LSN Malaysia · 18 August 2026

Airstrikes target Syrian military base after Turkish delegation visit

The airstrikes on Abu Duhur military airport mark a significant escalation in Syria's complex military landscape, occurring shortly after Turkish officials visited the installation. The Turkish delegation's visit was understood to be part of broader initiatives aimed at rehabilitating the airfield and returning it to operational status.

The identity of the aircraft conducting the strikes remains undetermined, though the incident underscores the contested nature of airspace over northwestern Syria. Multiple regional and international actors maintain military interests in the area, which has been a focal point of competing strategic priorities since Syria's civil conflict began.

Abu Duhur airfield has served as a significant military installation throughout Syria's civil war, changing hands multiple times between government forces and opposition groups. The Turkish military's recent engagement with the facility suggests Ankara's continued interest in Syria's northwest, an area where Turkish forces maintain an active military presence.

The strikes have not been claimed by any party, and details regarding damage or casualties remain unclear. The incident occurs amid ongoing regional tensions and international involvement in Syrian military affairs.