Eight Israeli airstrikes hit the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria early Tuesday, targeting the runway and storage facilities.
No casualties were reported in the strikes, according to the military source and a civilian living near the base, Reuters reported.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reported strikes, while Syria’s Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
The Abu al-Duhur base is located about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) from the Turkish border and has not operated as a dedicated military airfield since 2013.
The facility changed hands several times during Syria’s 14-year civil war, when forces loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad fought various opposition groups.
Since Assad was ousted in late 2024, the base has reportedly been used as a training center for Syria’s newly established army, according to the Syrian military source cited in the report.
The strikes come as tensions between Israel and Turkiye over Syria have intensified.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said earlier this month that Israel’s repeated attacks were threatening Syria’s security and called for international pressure on Israel to respect Syria’s territorial integrity.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, meanwhile, has issued warnings to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying Israel would not allow developments that strengthen Syria’s military capabilities in ways that could threaten Israel.
The latest strikes also come amid signs that Syria is seeking to rebuild parts of its military infrastructure.
Syria conducted air exercises in northern parts of the country earlier this month using Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jets. The exercises were reportedly the first involving Syrian military aircraft since Assad’s removal.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported Aug. 11 that Israeli security officials had detected signs of an accelerated Syrian effort to rebuild its air force.
The reported efforts included recruiting new pilots, expanding flight training and conducting an initial exercise involving fighter aircraft.
An Israeli security source cited by Kan said Israel was closely monitoring the developments and had shared its concerns with the United States.
The reported Israeli strikes therefore come at a particularly sensitive moment for Syria’s emerging military structure.
Israel has repeatedly said it will act against military developments in neighboring Syria that it considers a potential threat to its security. Turkiye, meanwhile, has increasingly criticized Israeli military operations in Syria and warned against actions that undermine the country’s territorial integrity.
The latest attack adds another layer to the growing regional tensions, particularly as Ankara and Tel Aviv take increasingly opposing positions over the future of Syria and the rebuilding of its armed forces.