Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes across Syria on Wednesday, targeting key military installations in the cities of Damascus and Hama.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes also targeted the T4 air base, which Turkey is reportedly planning to take over and use for drone operations and air defense systems.
In a post on X, the IDF said the attacks were aimed at destroying military infrastructure that could pose a threat to Israel. “We will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians.”
According to Syrian state media and local officials, the strikes hit the military airport in Hama, destroying warplanes and helicopters. The scientific research center in Damascus’ Barzeh neighborhood, which Israel has claimed was involved in the development of guided missiles and chemical weapons, was also targeted. At least 13 people were reportedly killed in the recent Israeli attack.
Aftermath of Israeli air strikes targeting Hama Military Airport
A number of warplanes and helicopters were completely destroyed pic.twitter.com/OgFOnjxiwa
— Rojava Network (@RojavaNetwork) April 3, 2025
Images show aftermath of Israeli overnight strike near Barzah Scientific Research Center in Damascus, destroying building but causing no casualties pic.twitter.com/HHGgQFfa5e
— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) April 3, 2025
The recent Israeli strikes are seen as a move to block Turkey’s efforts to take control of the T4 air base. Recent reports claimed that Ankara has been negotiating with Syria’s new leadership to provide military protection and use the base for drone operations.
According to the sources cited by the Middle East Eye, Turkey also wants to deploy Hisar or S-400 air defense systems to T4. These plans, however, depend on approval from Russia.
Military analysts including those at The War Zone reported that the recent Israeli strikes “will make it harder for Ankara to deliver troops, air defenses and other equipment and to operate the facilities in general, should it attempt to do so.”
🚨🇮🇱🇹🇷 As a strong message to Erdogan, Israel conducted the most intensive airstrike in Syria since the fall of Assad, targeting bases in Damascus, Hama, and Homs. The T4 airbase where Turkish forces were expected to arrive next week is also destroyed. pic.twitter.com/uaEJWWwhCM
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) April 2, 2025
Recent satellite images reveal that the base has already sustained significant damage from previous Israeli airstrikes.
🇸🇾🇹🇷🇮🇱 Satellite images show severe destruction at Syrian air force bases according to Israeli attacks • Massive damage to the military bases T4 and palmyra by Israeli air strikes two days ago. 🎯 Strategic context: #Israel #Syria #Turkey pic.twitter.com/KP7uZtokHQ
— 🔰 Military-News (@MilitaryNewsEN) March 23, 2025
