A Turkish opposition-linked news outlet reports that Turkish fighter jets crossed into Syrian airspace over the weekend and issued stern warnings to Israeli aircraft. According to the report, the Israeli airstrike wave hit pro-Turkish militias operating in Syria.
For the first time, the air forces of Israel and Turkey reportedly had a direct aerial confrontation over Syria. Turkish F-16s are said to have entered Syrian airspace during a large-scale Israeli attack and confronted Israeli aircraft “face to face.”
During the Israeli operation—described as one of the largest since the fall of Assad’s regime—targets included the pro-Turkish Syrian militias “Sultan Murad” and “Suleiman Shah.” These forces are local Syrian militias loyal to Ankara and reportedly receive weapons, logistics, and training directly from the Erdogan government.
Recent reports, including from Reuters, indicate Turkey is working to expand its military presence in Syria. Turkish forces are believed to be establishing themselves at the T4 base in Homs and the air base in Hama, aiming to deploy drones and air defense systems that could restrict Israeli air operations.
In March, Israeli jets reportedly struck the T4 base—previously used by Russian forces—just hours before a Turkish military team was scheduled to assess the site for renewed operations. Reports say Israeli airstrikes in the last two months have destroyed the base’s infrastructure, including its control tower and runways.
A day before Israel’s major air campaign, which hit Damascus, Hama, and Latakia, Israel also reportedly struck near the presidential palace of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a known Turkish ally, as a message over ongoing attacks on the Druze population.
Photo: Reuters