In a carefully worded statement, Turkey has said Israel’s airstrikes targeting the army and defense ministry headquarters in the Syrian capital of Damascus are an “act of sabotage” and undermine stability in the war-torn country.
“Israel’s attacks on Damascus, following its military interventions in the south of Syria, constitute an act of sabotage against Syria’s efforts to secure peace, stability and security,” the Foreign Ministry said in its statement.
At a press briefing held by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a military official confirmed that Israel had targeted the ministry and an area near the presidential palace in Damascus as it continues strikes on Syrian forces in the southern city of Suwayda, CNN reported.
The strikes come after Israel threatened to increase attacks if Syrian government forces are not withdrawn from the south of the country where there has been fighting between the Arab minority Druze and Syrian security forces.
Israel’s attack came hours after a drone strike on the same building. Syria’s health ministry said the Israeli strikes in Damascus on Wednesday killed one person and wounded 18.
“The Syrian people now face a historic opportunity to live in peace and reintegrate with the international community. All stakeholders who support making the most of this opportunity should contribute to the Syrian government’s efforts to establish calm and stability,” the ministry added in its statement.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who is also the US ambassador to Turkey, has described the situation in Damascus as “worrisome” and has reportedly urged Israel to halt its strikes
A rebel offensive led by Islamist insurgent groups ousted Syria’s longtime despotic leader, Bashar Assad, in December, bringing an end to a nearly 14-year civil war. Since then, the country’s new rulers have struggled to consolidate control.
The collapse of the regime of al-Assad has left a power vacuum and brought Turkey and Israel into direct proximity as neighboring players in the region.
Turkey’s influence in Syria has worried Israel, which has launched airstrikes and ground incursions to keep Syrian forces away from its border.
Turkey has close ties with the new Syrian government, led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has visited Turkey several times since assuming office in January.