Syria demands Israeli withdrawal after attack on Abu al-Duhur Airport

Syria has accused Israel of carrying out an attack on Abu al-Duhur Airport on August 18, describing the strike as part of a wider effort to destabilize the country and obstruct its state-building process.

In a statement carried by Syrian state media, Damascus argued that the significance of the attack went beyond any immediate damage to the airport. Syrian authorities said it sent a political and security message intended to weaken the state as it works to restore its institutions, rebuild the economy and attract international investment.

Damascus also renewed its demand for Israeli forces to withdraw to the positions they held before December 8, 2024. It also called for full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, the framework governing the separation of Israeli and Syrian forces.

Syrian authorities presented adherence to that agreement as an essential step toward preventing further military escalation. They argued that Israel’s continued operations threaten both Syria’s sovereignty and broader regional stability.

Despite its strong language, Damascus said it intends to address the dispute through diplomatic and political channels rather than enter another direct conflict.

The Syrian statement acknowledged the devastating consequences that renewed warfare could have for a country already facing major reconstruction and development challenges. It said the government would pursue what it described as “diplomatic confrontation” while avoiding actions that could be used to justify additional Israeli strikes.

That position reflects an attempt to balance two priorities: maintaining Syria’s territorial demands while limiting the risk of a wider war.

Damascus also praised Türkiye for condemning the attacks and supporting Syria’s call for the implementation of the 1974 agreement.

By emphasizing Turkish support, Syrian authorities appeared to signal that they are seeking broader diplomatic pressure on Israel rather than responding through military escalation.

Syrian authorities portrayed the country as entering a new period of sovereign decision-making in which outside military action would not be allowed to dictate its alliances or development plans.

Damascus also did not identify the specific diplomatic measures it plans to pursue.

Nevertheless, the government’s demands were explicit: a return to the military positions that existed before December 8, 2024, renewed observance of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and an end to attacks on Syrian territory.