Speaking at the UN Security Council, the US called on Israel and Syria to reduce tensions following attacks on Abu al-Duhur Air Base in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.
US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce said Washington would continue its dialogue with Israel, Syria and other parties in the region to promote peaceful solutions. Bruce said the US would maintain close communication with all parties in the region and work to de-escalate tensions.
Air base targeted in Idlib
Israeli warplanes carried out eight strikes on the runway of Abu al-Duhur Military Air Base on August 18. The strikes damaged the base's infrastructure.
Israel's attacks in Syria intensified after the regime of Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024. Israel declared that the 1974 separation agreement had collapsed and took control of the buffer zone in Syria.
US decision on Syria
Bruce also announced that the US had removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on August 24. She described the decision as a "historic turning point" recognizing the progress made by the Syrian authorities in the political, humanitarian and security fields.
Bruce said the removal of US restrictions on Syria would expand opportunities for international trade and investment, adding that the development would contribute to the country's reconstruction.