WASHINGTON (MNTV) — The United States has urged Israel and Syria to reduce tensions and pursue dialogue following Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian military base earlier this month.
US Deputy Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce told the UN Security Council that Washington would continue engaging with Israel, Syria and other regional actors to encourage diplomatic solutions and prevent further escalation.
Bruce’s remarks followed Israeli airstrikes on Aug. 18 against the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria’s Idlib province. Israeli warplanes carried out eight strikes targeting the base’s runway, damaging its infrastructure.
Israeli military activity in Syria has intensified since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Israel subsequently declared the 1974 disengagement agreement no longer applicable and took control of territory in the Syrian buffer zone.
The latest strikes come as Syria attempts to rebuild its institutions and restore stability following years of war and political upheaval.
Bruce also highlighted Washington’s decision on Aug. 24 to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, calling the move a “historic milestone” reflecting what she described as progress by Syrian authorities on political, humanitarian and security matters.
The US official said lifting the designation and easing restrictions could create greater opportunities for international trade and investment while supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Washington’s call for de-escalation comes amid continued tensions between Israel and Syria, with Israeli military operations adding to the challenges facing Damascus as it seeks to rebuild the country and restore its international economic ties.
The United States said it would maintain diplomatic engagement with both countries and other regional stakeholders in an effort to encourage negotiations and peaceful solutions.