Israeli military leaders are concerned about Turkey potentially building up a presence at air bases in Syria, a senior Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) official told The War Zone.
His comments come as Ankara is negotiating a security agreement with the new government in Damascus, sparking concerns about a confrontation between Israel and Turkey.
“The establishment of a Turkish Air Force base in Palmyra, Syria [seen at the top of this article], could heighten regional tensions and increase the risk of conflict with Israel,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military-related matters. “Given Israel’s ongoing efforts to prevent hostile military entrenchment in Syria, any significant Turkish military presence, especially in strategic locations like Palmyra, could be perceived as a threat to Israeli security interests.”
The official noted that while the chances of a direct fight between Israel and Turkey remain low at the moment, that could change in the already very volatile region. Earlier this week, Israel bombarded some of those bases, he pointed out.
“Recently, Israel has conducted airstrikes against military infrastructure in the region, including the T-4 airbase near Palmyra,” he said. “While there have been no direct confrontations between Israeli and Turkish forces so far, the situation remains sensitive and requires close monitoring.”
The strikes targeted “remaining strategic military capabilities” at the two sites, the IDF said, according to the Times of Israel.
“The airstrikes were carried out after the Israeli Air Intelligence Group — the Israeli Air Force’s intel unit — had been monitoring weapons and other strategic capabilities at the two military sites in central Syria over the recent period,” according to the publication. The resulting damage was “‘extensive,’ taking out capabilities that will preserve Israel’s aerial superiority in the region,” the publication noted.
Turkey is also beginning to build out a base in northern Syria, according to the Syrian North Press Agency.
“Turkish forces have begun constructing a military base inside Menagh Military Airbase in northern Aleppo countryside, northwestern Syria in recent days,” the publication wrote, citing a source. “Turkish forces started transporting massive concrete slabs and logistical materials using large transport vehicles into Menagh Military Airbase, approximately six kilometers south of Azaz, to establish an air defense center.”
Turkey wants to turn the airbase “into a fully operational air defense base, including the restoration of helicopter landing pads, as part of efforts to strengthen its military presence in northern Syria,” North Press Agency stated.
There are additional claims that Turkey is building a base in northwestern Syria near the town of Manbij.
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