Israeli airstrikes kill nine in Syria amidst Turkish military build-up
- Israeli warplanes conducted extensive airstrikes across Syria targeting military bases associated with Turkey.
- The strikes resulted in significant destruction, including the Hama Military Airport and other key military installations.
- Israel's actions signify a heightened conflict with Turkey over influence in Syria, potentially leading to broader regional implications.
In Syria, recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, following a series of targeted attacks against military installations believed to be utilized by Turkish forces. These airstrikes occurred overnight on March 28-29, 2025, and focused on key locations such as the Hama Air Base and a military research facility near Damascus. The Israeli military reports indicated that the strikes were aimed at disrupting Turkey's attempts to establish a prominent military presence within Syria and mitigating what Israel perceives as escalating threats to its security interests. The attacks reportedly involved over 25 separate airstrikes, with Israeli officials claiming comprehensive destruction of the two primary airbases involved. The Palestinian agency reported that several civilians were also affected in the strikes, which the Syrian government condemned as violations of international law and a blatant act of aggression. An Israeli defense official in statements reaffirmed Israel's commitment to preventing hostile forces from entrenching themselves in Syria, explicitly warning Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa against allowing Turkish factions to operate freely within its borders. Tensions have been high as Turkey has been moving military assets deeper into Syrian territory, following the fall of the Assad regime and amid increasing concerns about its potential plans to create what Israel deems a