US Ambassador Barrack's Turkey-Israel warning: Risk of direct conflict exists

The US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, stated that the attack carried out by Israel on the Abu al-Duhur Military Airport, located east of the Idlib province in northern Syria, could create a risk of direct military conflict between Turkey and Israel.

Speaking to the Israeli press outlet The Jerusalem Post, Barrack said in his assessment of the attack, "The events that took place yesterday were serious and concerning. However, we are relieved that there was no loss of life and that the situation did not escalate."

CONFLICT PREVENTION MECHANISM ON THE AGENDA

Barrack said that "secret talks" are ongoing to reactivate a mechanism aimed at preventing conflict between Israel and Syria. Stating that Turkey could be invited to this process directly or indirectly, Barrack drew attention to the importance of keeping communication channels open.

The US ambassador expressed that it would be beneficial to establish a cooperation unit where personnel fluent in Turkish, Arabic, English, and Hebrew work 24 hours a day. Barrack also stated that the US wants to help reduce tension between Turkey and Israel and prevent an escalation that would be difficult to reverse.

Arguing that Syrian President Ahmed Shara has no aggressive intent toward Israel, Barrack also said regarding the radars installed at Damascus Airport that the US does not view civilian infrastructure as a security threat to Israel.

Barrack said, "Syria's ability to maintain a safe and reliable domestic aviation system depends on functional civilian radar coverage. We continue to believe that this technical requirement does not constitute a security issue and that further discussions could help clarify the matter to everyone's satisfaction."

Israeli warplanes had carried out an attack on the Abu al-Duhur Military Airport in northern Syria. A Syrian official reported that eight strikes were made on the airport; the runway and an idle structure in a hangar were targeted. No information was shared regarding loss of life or injuries in the attack.

News Source: 12punto