Turkey denies presence of its military mission in Abu al-Dahour, Syria

Istanbul, August 20 (KUNA) -- The Turkish Ministry of Defense denied on Thursday the existence of any Turkish military mission at Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria, either before or during the Israeli occupation’s attack on the base. This came in a statement issued by the ministry in response to journalists’ questions following a media briefing delivered by its spokesperson, Zeki Ak Turk, in Kocaeli province. The statement noted that “the attack launched by Israel on Abu al-Duhur airbase is an act aimed at undermining Syria’s stability, security, unity, territorial integrity, and infrastructure.” It added, “We confirm that there was no Turkish military mission at Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria, either before or during the Israeli attack on the base.” It stressed that “Israel must cease such reckless attacks and comply with the requirements of international law to achieve security and stability in Syria and the region alike.” It continued, “We will continue to support Syria’s efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and military capabilities within the framework of the ‘one army’ principle.” On Tuesday morning, Israeli occupation aircraft carried out eight airstrikes targeting the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib, northwestern Syria, causing material damage to its infrastructure. (End) T.A. / T.M.A.