Archive · 19 Aug 2026
UAE Condemns Israeli Strikes on Syrian Airbase, Citing Sovereignty
The United Arab Emirates criticized Israeli airstrikes on a military airbase in Syria.
The airbase is called Abu al-Duhur and is in Idlib Governorate.
The UAE said the attacks violated Syria’s independence and international rules.
It also said the strikes could make the region less safe.
Israel’s prime minister’s office said Israel was responding to a possible change in security arrangements.
That office said Syria was close to allowing Turkish troops at an airbase near Aleppo.
The United States’ Syria and Iraq envoy also expressed concern about the strikes.
He called them an unnecessary escalation.
The United Arab Emirates condemned what it called confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria’s Idlib Governorate.
The UAE said the strikes violated Syria’s sovereignty, international law, and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The UAE called for immediate international action to halt attacks and prevent further regional escalation.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel acted after Syria appeared close to allowing Turkish troops at an airbase near Aleppo.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack described the strikes as an unnecessary escalation that did not advance regional stability.
- Who
- The United Arab Emirates condemned the strikes; Benjamin Netanyahu’s office defended Israel’s security position; and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack expressed concern.
- What
- Reportedly confirmed Israeli airstrikes targeted Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria.
- When
- The UAE statement was issued Tuesday, local time; the reports followed the strikes.
- Where
- Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Syria’s Idlib Governorate, with related security concerns involving an airbase near Aleppo.
- Why
- The UAE said the strikes violated Syrian sovereignty and international law, while Netanyahu’s office said Israel acted over a possible Turkish troop deployment near Aleppo.
Critics of the Strikes
Israeli Security Position
Sovereignty and international law
Critics of the Strikes
The United Arab Emirates said the attacks infringed Syria’s sovereignty and violated international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Israeli Security Position
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office framed the action as a response to a potential breach of a security understanding between Israel and Syria.
Effect on regional stability
Critics of the Strikes
The UAE called for international action to stop further attacks, while Tom Barrack said the strikes were an unnecessary escalation that did not advance regional stability.
Israeli Security Position
Netanyahu’s office said Israel would not tolerate threats to its security and would welcome a return to the security status quo.
Turkish troop deployment
Critics of the Strikes
The reported possibility of Turkish troops deploying near Aleppo was presented by critics as part of the disputed context rather than a justification for attacks on Syrian territory.
Israeli Security Position
Netanyahu’s office said Syria was close to breaching the security understanding by permitting Turkish troops to deploy at an airbase near Aleppo.
- Target
- Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase
- Location
- Idlib Governorate, Syria
- UAE position
- The strikes were described as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, international law, and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
- Israeli position
- Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel would not tolerate threats to its security and cited a possible Turkish deployment near Aleppo.
- U.S. reaction
- Tom Barrack called the strikes an unnecessary escalation.
- UAE appeal
- The UAE urged the international community to halt repeated attacks and prevent further escalation.