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New Delhi. On the night of 18 August 2026, four air strikes took place on the Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase located in the eastern area of ​​Idlib, North-Western Province of Syria. Local Syrian sources, social media accounts and some news agencies reported that the main target of the attacks was the airbase's runway. There is also mention of the firing of illuminating flares into the sky, which are commonly used to illuminate targets or for surveillance in night operations.

These attacks were said to have been carried out by Israeli fighter planes, while in some reports it was not yet clear who carried out the attack. So far there has been no official statement from Israel, Turkey or the new Syrian government, so these reports have not yet been independently confirmed.

Abu al-Duhur airbase has been important during the Syrian civil war. From 2012 to 2015, rebel forces surrounded it and finally captured it. The Assad regime later took it back, but after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, rebel groups took control of it again.

At present this base is said to be under the control of Syria's new and limited air force. Old Soviet era Su-22 fighter-bombers, L-39 trainer aircraft and some helicopters are kept here. In recent weeks there have been reports of these older Su-22 aircraft flying training flights, raising concerns in Israel that the new Syrian Air Force is gradually increasing its capabilities.

Strategic importance and possible objectives

The Idlib region is close to Türkiye's sphere of influence and is important for the new Syrian administration to maintain control over the north. Targeting the runway indicated that the attacking force wanted to limit the operational capacity of the airbase so that aircraft could not take off.

Israel has long pursued a policy of preventing the development of any military capability in Syria, especially after the fall of the Assad regime when it attacked several military targets to prevent weapons and aircraft from falling into the hands of the new administration. After the recent Su-22 flights, this attack is being considered a part of the same strategy. However, some reports also mention the presence of Turkish forces, which may further increase regional complications.

Regional impact and uncertainty

This incident may make the delicate security situation in the Middle East more tense. Syria's new government is trying to rebuild its military capabilities, while Israel wants to maintain its security line. Türkiye's reaction will also be important, because it has influence in Idlib.

At present a complete assessment of the loss is not available. Nor have any major casualties been confirmed. Experts believe that until official confirmation or satellite images arrive, the complete picture will not be clear. This incident shows that even in post-Assad Syria, external powers are actively influencing the military balance.