Turkey-Israel war: Israel has conducted airstrikes on three Turkish-controlled airbases in Syria, sparking fears of a another major conflict in the war-torn region. According to reports, three air bases controlled by Turkey in Syria, were hit by Israeli airstrikes, with analysts stating that this may trigger a full-scale Turkey-Israel war as the interests of the two countries have clashed after power vacuum created following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
According to analysts, both Israel and Turkey are making attempts to assert their influence in Syria, and this has the potential to boil over into a full-scale military confrontation between the two nations, which ae trying to accomplish different goals in the region.
The Israeli attack comes at a time when Turkey is trying to assure the United States that its presence in Syria is not a threat to Israel’s interests in the region.
Turkey-Israel War
Citing sources, a report by Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency said that Israel also targeted Turkish military bases in Syria which are part of a defense agreement between, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the rebel commander now serving as the interim president of Syria, and Ankara.
The report stated that the Israeli attack came without any prior warning to Turkey or Syria.
Following the Israeli attack, Turkish military teams visited the main airports in Homs and Hama cities, reportedly to asses the infrastructure of the military bases located at these sites. the report quoted two Syrian military sources and a regional intelligence officer as saying. The visit has fueled speculation that Turkey might be planning a retaliatory strike against Israel, which could potentially devolve into a full-scale Turkey-Israel war in Syria.
Turkey expands presence in Syria
The development comes amid Turkey’s recent push to expand its military presence in Syria.
Turkey, which allegedly a major role in the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is now reportedly planning to capture the strategic Tiyas Air Base, the largest airbase in Syria, with the Turkish Army ramping up efforts to occupy the Tiyas or T-4 Air Base, according to reports.
Ankara-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group which now rules Damascus after ousting Assad last year, is allegedly on board with Turkey’s plan, they said.
Tension for Netanyahu
The situation is a major worry for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a Turkey-Israel war, even at the smallest scale, would open a new front for the Jewish nation, which is fighting enemies on multiple fronts, including a shadow war with a powerful foe like Iran.
In contrast, any conflict that weakens Israel’s grip would be a welcome sight for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as it will significantly boost Turkey’s regional dominance, and would be step towards Erdogan’s dream of establishing a modern version of the Ottoman Empire in the region.
from World – Latest News, Breaking News, LIVE News, Top News Headlines, Viral Video, Cricket LIVE, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Health, Lifestyle and Utility News | India.Com https://ift.tt/pW5Tj9w
