Aselsan - Securing Beyond The Land

Turkish MoD Says No Troops Were Present at Bombed Syrian Airbase

Ankara’s Ministry of National Defense explicitly confirmed no Turkish military personnel were deployed at Syria's Abu al-Duhur Air Base prior to or during recent Israeli airstrikes.

August 20, 2026 Zülal Merve Bulut

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MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk spoke n Kocaeli during TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that no Turkish personnel were present at Syria's Abu al-Duhur Air Base during a recent Israeli airstrike, directly addressing regional speculation following the bombardment.

Addressing reporters at a weekly press briefing held in Golcuk during the TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan event, defense officials rejected assertions connecting Turkish forces to the targeted facility.

"There was no Turkish military delegation present at the air base prior to or during the attack by Israeli warplanes," the ministry stated during the announcement.

Sovereignty And Regional Stability

Ankara framed the Israeli military operation in Idlib as a direct assault on Syrian state integrity and border security, warning against the normalization of unilateral strikes in the region.

"It must strictly not be allowed to establish a perception that Israel's military interventions toward neighboring countries are normal and acceptable," defense representatives asserted.

The ministry reiterated that regional peace depends on adhering to international legal standards rather than foreign military interventions.

Ongoing Military Assistance

Despite the escalation, Ankara signaled that its strategic support for Syrian defense capabilities remains unaltered.

Türkiye will continue assisting Syrian defense capacity and infrastructure projects under a single unified army framework, officials added, emphasizing ongoing support for Syrian sovereignty and national stability.