Israeli strike on Syrian air base prompts US outrage

On 18 August 2026, Israeli strikes hit a military airfield in northwest Syria. Israel confirmed the strikes and said they were meant to ensure its security, claiming Turkey was planning to deploy forces there. Turkey condemned the strikes, the US criticized them, and Saudi Arabia also condemned them. i24NEWS wrote that the strikes sharpen the rivalry between Israel and Turkey over Syria.

Separately, the IDF said remains found in Syria belong to Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, an Israeli soldier missing since a 1982 battle. His remains were returned to Israel.