Pakistan condemns Israeli strikes on Syria

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s reported airstrikes on a Syrian airbase, describing the attack as unprovoked and warning that such actions could further threaten peace and stability in the region.

The Foreign Office said the reported Israeli attack was a serious violation of international law. It said repeated military actions of this nature could increase tensions and create further instability in the Middle East.

The statement came after Israeli forces reportedly carried out eight airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase near Aleppo in northwestern Syria. The strikes reportedly targeted the runway and storage facilities at the site.

Initial reports indicated that there were no casualties in the attack.

Pakistan expressed solidarity with the Syrian people. It also reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and prosperity.

The Foreign Office urged the international community to take action against what it described as repeated violations of international law by Israeli forces. It called for those responsible for destabilising actions in the region to be held accountable.

The reported strikes have drawn criticism from several countries. US envoy for Syria Tom Barrack confirmed that Israel carried out the attacks and described them as an unnecessary escalation.

Barrack said the strikes would not contribute to regional stability. He urged all sides to focus on dialogue and avoid further military confrontations.

The Israeli action has also created tensions with Washington’s efforts to support Syria’s new government, which maintains close relations with Turkiye.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel had warned Syria against allowing Turkish forces to deploy at an airbase near Aleppo. The statement claimed such a deployment could pose a security threat to Israel.

The Israeli statement did not directly acknowledge responsibility for the airstrikes. However, it said Syria had ignored repeated Israeli warnings.

Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani rejected the justification for the attacks. He called for an end to Israeli military action against Syria.

Shibani said the attacks had no valid security justification. He said Damascus would continue pursuing diplomatic efforts to persuade Israel to end its policy toward Syria.

Turkiye also criticised Israel’s position. The Turkish government said Israeli statements were being used to justify airstrikes that violated Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Abu al-Duhur airbase has a long history of military use. It is located around 70 kilometres east of the Turkish border. The facility has not operated as a dedicated military airfield since 2013.

The base changed hands several times during Syria’s prolonged civil war. The conflict lasted for years between forces loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad and various opposition groups.