![Abu al Duhur base following strikes, Syria, August 18, 2026 [Stringer/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-18T131002Z_1138415786_RC201NA2T4W1_RTRMADP_3_SYRIA-SECURITY-AIRBASE-1787166330.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Inside Story
What’s behind Israel’s latest attack on Syria?
US envoy warns Israel’s strike could have sparked direct confrontation with Turkish forces.
An Israeli attack on a Syrian airbase has been widely condemned.
The United States envoy warns the incident could have caused a direct confrontation with Turkish forces.
So why did Israel attack the base? And what are the implications?
Presenter: Anna Burns-Francis
Guests:
Murat Yesiltas – Director of Foreign Policy Studies at the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) think tank
Haid Haid – Consulting fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House
Michael Mulroy – Former US deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East
Published On 19 Aug 2026