Ankara: The US on Thursday called on Israel and Syria to pursue de-escalation following Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Syria on Aug. 18. Addressing the UN Security Council, US Deputy Representative Tammy Bruce emphasized Washington's commitment to promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bruce stated that the United States intends to continue its engagement with Israel, Syria, and other regional stakeholders to encourage dialogue. 'The United States will continue to engage closely with both countries and with all regional stakeholders to promote dialogue and peaceful solutions,' Bruce said.

On Aug. 18, Israeli warplanes conducted eight strikes on the runway of the Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase located in northwestern Idlib province, which resulted in damage to the airbase's infrastructure. The frequency of Israeli attacks in Syria has increased since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. Following the regime's collapse, Israel declared the 1974 disengagement agreement void and took control of the Syrian buffer zone.

Bruce further announced that the US had recently rescinded its designation of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism on Aug. 24. She described this move as a 'historic milestone' that acknowledges the progress made by Syrian authorities on various political, humanitarian, and security fronts. Bruce also mentioned that removing US restrictions on Syria is expected to open up international trade and investment opportunities, aiding the country's reconstruction efforts.