Israel bombed two military airbases and other targets in Syria on Wednesday night following reports that Turkey is preparing to take over the T4 airfield in Syria, which would harm Israel’s freedom of operation in the country.

The IDF spokesperson confirmed the attacks, stating: “In the past few hours, the IDF attacked remaining military capabilities at the Hama and T4 airbases in Syria, along with additional remaining military infrastructure in the Damascus area.”

According to Syrian media outlets, the target in Damascus was the Barzeh scientific research center.

Israeli security sources said on Thursday morning that the strikes were carried out to prevent Turkey from taking over the airbases and that the T-4 and Hamas airbases were completely destroyed in the strikes, including planes, control towers, radar systems, and runways. Weapon depots, fighter jets, and hangars at the Hama airport were also attacked.

An Israeli source told i24NEWS: “The Israeli attacks in Syria is intended to convey a message to Turkey: ‘Do not establish a military presence in the country and do not interfere with Israeli activity in the country’s skies.'”

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a stern warning on Thursday morning to Syrian leader Abu Mohammad al-Joulani (Ahmed Al-Sharaa).

“Israel will not allow Syria to become a threat to its communities and its security interests,” Katz said.

“I warn the ruler of Syria, Joulani” Katz said, referring directly to the Syrian leader. “If you allow forces hostile to Israel to enter Syria and endanger Israeli security interests, you will pay a very heavy price. The Air Force’s activity yesterday against the T4 and Hama airports and the Damascus area is a clear message and a warning for the future – we will not allow Israel’s security to be harmed.”

Overnight Wednesday, IDF forces operated in the Tasil area in southern Syria, confiscating weapons and destroying terror infrastructure. During the operations, armed terrorists fired towards the IDF forces in the area. The forces responded with fire and eliminated several armed terrorists.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)