Israel bombs Syrian base T4, reportedly warning Türkiye against military presence

Israel bombed the T4 Air Base in Syria, where Türkiye was allegedly planning to establish a military base. An Israeli official stated, “This attack carries a message to Türkiye: ‘Do not establish a military base in Syria’.”

According to Syria’s official news agency SANA, Israeli aircraft conducted more than 14 airstrikes yesterday evening targeting Hama Airport and surrounding points, the T4 Military Air Base in Homs province, and military infrastructure in the capital, Damascus. Additionally, mortar and artillery attacks were carried out west of Deraa province.

A statement from the Israeli army confirmed that a series of airstrikes were executed in Syria. The statement indicated that Israeli warplanes targeted Hama Military Airport, the T4 Military Airport in Syria’s Homs province, and military infrastructure in the Damascus region. It also confirmed targeting a scientific research building in Damascus’s Barzeh neighborhood.

An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that the recent airstrikes in Syria were carried out to “convey a message to Türkiye.” The official specified the message was, “Do not establish military bases in Syria and do not interfere with Israeli activities in the country’s skies.”

A report by Middle East Eye (MEE), citing sources knowledgeable on the subject, claimed that Türkiye intended to deploy Turkish-made Hisar-type air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with advanced surveillance and strike capabilities to the T4 Air Base.

It had previously been claimed that Ankara was preparing to take control of the T4 Military Air Base near the ancient city of Palmyra, which Israel had struck.

According to the report by Qatar-based Middle East Eye (MEE), citing Turkish military sources, Ankara plans to equip the base with a complex defense system featuring short, medium, and long-range capabilities against warplanes, UAVs, and missiles.

It is also alleged that Türkiye plans to deploy S-400 air defense systems to the base in addition to the Hisar systems. However, Russia’s approval is necessary for the deployment of the S-400s.

The report notes that the base “will provide Türkiye with greater air control in Syria and serve as a starting point for intensified operations against ISIS.” It further states, “The presence of Türkiye’s UAVs and air defense systems will deter Israel from conducting airstrikes in the region.”

The Israeli army had also targeted the T4 and nearby Palmyra bases on March 21-22; those airstrikes damaged infrastructure at the base, including runways, hangars, and control buildings.