The city of Palmyra, located in the central region of Syria, has recently been the scene of intense air strikes conducted by the Israeli Air Force. These raids, which hit strategic military targets, represent one of the most high-profile operations of the week and raise questions about the growing tension between Israel, Syria and Turkey.
The attacks: details and targets
On March 22, the Israeli Air Force launched a series of raids against Palmyra military airport and T4 air base, both located in the Syrian Badiyah desert region. The attacks targeted runways, protected hangars, weapons depots and other strategic infrastructure. Among the reported damage, satellite images show a completely destroyed Syrian Air Force Su-24. The airport control tower and the 103rd Air Defense Battalion of the 98th Brigade were particularly hard hit. According to local sources, two members of the 118th Division (Badia Division) were initially injured during the raids. Later, the number of injuries rose to 12, involving personnel from the same division. The attacks were intense and continued for days: on March 25, three new raids hit the outskirts of Palmyra.
Strategic context: why Palmyra?
Palmyra is a strategic city both geographically and militarily. Located in a central desert region, it was a crucial hub for the transit of goods and weapons between Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. In the past, the area was a stronghold of pro-Iranian militias and forces of the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad. With the change of government in Syria and the rise of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, the region has taken on a new configuration. During al Sharaa’s first official visit to Ankara on February 4, the Syrian and Turkish presidents signed a joint defense pact that includes the establishment of Turkish air bases in central Syria and training for the new Syrian army. The locations of the air bases are Palmyra military airport and the former Syrian army’s Tiyas air base (also known as T4 air base), both located in the Syrian desert area. The Syrian transitional government recently awarded a sovereign military base in Palmyra to the Turkish army. Sources suggest that the planned Turkish base in Palmyra is expected to be the same size as the US Ramstein base in Germany and house up to 50 F-16 fighter jets. The Turkish government has informed all major powers, including the United Nations, of the move and stressed that any attack on the base will be met with great force.
A warning to Türkiye?
The Israeli attacks on Palmyra reflect a broader policy aimed, as stated by Israeli officials, at “preserving national security” against any hostile military buildup near its borders. Israel has already managed similar situations during the Russian presence in Syria and seems intent on establishing clear rules also towards Turkey. For this reason, the attacks may send a clear message to the Turkish side. The growing Turkish influence in Syria, including the establishment of military bases in the central region of the country, seems to be perceived by Israel as a potential strategic threat. Tel Aviv fears that Ankara could use these infrastructures to project force towards southern Syria and directly influence Israeli operations in the neighboring territories. Israeli sources point out that Palmyra could become a focal point for Turkish control over central and eastern Syria. With the right military infrastructure, Turkey could monitor large portions of Syrian territory and interfere with Israeli operations.
Therefore, the Israeli attack on Palmyra is not only a targeted military operation; It is also a strong signal to Turkey and other powers involved in the region. While Israel is trying to maintain its freedom of action in Syria by advancing ever more rapidly in the areas of Daraa and al Qunaytrah, the growing Turkish influence represents a significant challenge that could lead to new clashes in the coming months, an actor linked to the al Jawlani government with whom Israel will have to deal.
Elisabetta Papa e Cristina Uccello
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