US envoy says Israeli airstrikes on Syrian airbase raise tensions

Eight airstrikes hit Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase on August 18, 2026. Syria, Jordan, and the US blamed Israel, which has not claimed responsibility. A US envoy called the strikes "an unnecessary escalation" — meaning they risk worsening an already tense situation. The airbase was inactive; no one was hurt. Israel has repeatedly targeted Syrian military sites since Assad's fall in December 2024.